Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Role title: Legal Assistant

Legal Assistant Duties

Supporting the administration/management of workflows, the preparation of legal documents and provision of support to business development activities. Responsibilities can include:

• Creation and maintenance of presentations, proposals, document templates, deal sheets, tender documents and any other business development tools used by the in-charge manager.
• Preparation of monthly and in some instances weekly reports pertaining to ongoing and closed matters for Partners.
• Archives and organises legal files and supporting documents.
• Communicates with clients, informing them of how the case is progressing or if any further documentation is required.
• Conducts research and collates information to help strengthen a case for the assigned lawyer, ensuring all involved parties are kept up to date.
• Scheduling of meetings, depositions & related legal matter related activities.
• Provides support during a trial, such as; cross-checking facts, preparing the correct documents, assembling relevant artifacts, collecting evidence and keeping track of case developments.
• Takes notes and studies case law, providing briefs on request.

What skills do you need?

Candidates applying to become a legal assistant must have the following skills:

• Experience of legal research and drafting.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Strong administration and organisational skills.
• Ability to understand and interpret legal documents.
• Attention to detail.
• Analytical skills and the ability to identify trends and patterns.
• Be comfortable working as part of a team.
• Must adhere to client confidentiality protocol.
• Strong work ethic and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Competency with computers and related packages, in particular Microsoft office, Leis Nexis and similar legal research platforms.

Previous experience working as a legal secretary is extremely advantageous as many of these skills can be applied to the role of Legal Assistant, providing a person has sufficient legal knowledge.

Required Qualifications

A legal degree/diploma or related qualifications e.g. Paralegal certification.