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Legal Secretary - Tax

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid & Senior Level
  • Legal
    People, HR & Administration
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You should have GCSE/A Level education, RSA II typing, secretarial qualification preferred, tax knowledge, strong tech skills, 60 wpm typing, detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure.
  • You will manage diaries, arrange meetings and travel, prepare documents and presentations, assist with billing, handle client queries, and support internal processes and general administrative tasks.

Requirements

  • Educated to GCSE or equivalent, A Level preferable.
  • Minimum RSA II typing.
  • A secretarial qualification an advantage.
  • Knowledge of Tax work within a legal environment preferable.
  • Experience of working in a partnership environment.
  • Experience supporting senior and high profile individuals.
  • Accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Strong technical skills, advanced Word and Outlook and a working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint and Internet.
  • Typing speed 60 wpm +.
  • Personable, flexible and enthusiastic approach to team work.
  • Good, articulate telephone manner.
  • Self-starter, ability to use initiative and provide pro-active support to fee-earners.
  • Ability to pay attention to detail, particularly with emails, and to check own work.
  • Reliable and well organised.
  • Ability to work under pressure within strict deadlines and takes responsibility for their work.

Responsibilities

  • Making diary appointments, arranging meetings (including booking rooms, confirming dates and locations, distributing agendas and preparing material where required) and diary management;
  • Organising regular international travel arrangements and preparing itineraries where necessary;
  • Preparing material (often using PowerPoint) for presentations;
  • Attending monthly meetings with your allocated Partner and Accounts team to assist with WIP and billing;
  • Quick and accurate preparation with a high volume of bills on a monthly basis ensuring they are sent out as quickly as possible, following up with Accounts or other departments as required and answering any queries relating to bills;
  • Typing and amending correspondence and documents, which are often lengthy, and undertaking amendments as necessary.
  • Accurate proofreading of documents, paying particular attention to headers/footers;
  • Assisting with timesheet posting if required;
  • Use and update InterAction;
  • Prepare New Matter memos, ensuring accuracy and correct spelling of companies/individuals/checking with fee earners where necessary;
  • Complies with all internal policies, procedures and processes and keeps technical skills up to date (i.e. identifies where refresher/new training is required in response to any changes in the role);
  • Photocopying, filing and other general administrative duties
  • Filing of paper documents, electronic filing and keeping administrative files up to date;
  • Follows firm's archiving process as set by Records Management;
  • Closing files promptly, transferring files over when a fee earner leaves, etc.
  • Arranging courier deliveries;
  • Ensures distribution lists are kept up to date, amending as necessary after new conflicts checks.
  • Assisting with client queries in a professional and timely manner;
  • Assist internal clients (all groups within the business) with queries and respond in a timely manner;
  • Assisting with business development initiatives, i.e. organising client lunches, etc.
  • Liaising with clients and telephone callers when fee-earners are out of the office. Taking down accurate messages and dealing with queries or assisting callers wherever possible;
  • Assist and take ownership for internal/external queries in a polite and professional manner using the most appropriate medium, seek out information and resolve queries;
  • Maintains confidentiality and discretion at all times, flagging any concerns or issues at the appropriate level.
  • Assisting with general office duties and providing back up support for other secretaries and/or fee-earners as required to ensure the smooth running of the business.
  • Managing Partners’ e-mails as required and dealing with e-mail queries when appropriate;
  • Assists/supports Partners with internal processes, i.e. organises work to Evening group, picks up IT issues and resolves accordingly;
  • Checks new matter memos for accuracy, checks for clearance and keeps fee earners abreast with any issues or reminders. Co-ordinates a file where this may be cross-group.

FAQs

What are the core responsibilities of a Legal Secretary - Tax at Mayer Brown?

The core responsibilities include providing full secretarial and PA services for selected Partners, Associates, and PSLs, managing diary appointments and meetings, organizing travel arrangements, preparing materials for presentations, managing billing processes, and maintaining client confidentiality.

What qualifications are required for this role?

Candidates should be educated to GCSE level or equivalent, with A Levels preferable. A minimum of RSA II typing and a secretarial qualification is advantageous.

Is prior experience in the legal sector necessary?

Yes, knowledge of tax work within a legal environment is preferable, along with experience working in a partnership environment and supporting senior individuals.

What technical skills are required for this position?

Candidates should have strong technical skills, including advanced proficiency in Word and Outlook, a working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and the internet, and a typing speed of 60 wpm or more.

What personal attributes do you look for in a candidate?

Ideal candidates should be personable, flexible, enthusiastic team players with strong communication skills, reliability, organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure while paying attention to detail.

What are the working hours for this position?

The standard working hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with flexibility required according to the needs of the business.

Does Mayer Brown offer opportunities for professional development?

Yes, Mayer Brown is committed to supporting employee growth and development, providing training, and offering the opportunity for individuals to thrive in their careers.

How does Mayer Brown promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Mayer Brown actively supports diversity and inclusion through various initiatives and networks, promoting mutual respect and cooperation among individuals from varying backgrounds.

Is flexibility in work arrangements available for this role?

Yes, flexibility in work arrangements may be required based on the business’s needs.

What should a candidate expect during the recruitment process?

Mayer Brown is open to discussing reasonable adjustments that individuals may require throughout the recruitment process and once they join the firm.

Uniquely positioned to advise the world’s leading companies

Law
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1881
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Mayer Brown is uniquely positioned to advise the world’s leading companies and financial institutions on their most complex deals and disputes. With extensive reach across four continents, we are the only integrated law firm in the world with approximately 200 lawyers in each of the world’s three largest financial centers—New York, London and Hong Kong—the backbone of the global economy. We have deep experience in high-stakes litigation and complex transactions across industry sectors, including our signature strength, the global financial services industry. Our diverse teams of lawyers are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do. Our “one-firm” culture—seamless and integrated across all practices and regions—ensures that our clients receive the best of our knowledge and experience.