Legal Secretary

About us Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning over 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: real estate, corporate services, dispute resolution and private client. We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges and opportunities they may face. Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. With our ambition to succeed comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our Responsible Business strategy. Birketts is a certified B Corporation™, and diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 45% of our partnership as of 1 April 2026. The team you will join Our Residential Development team sits within our wider Real Estate Division and specialise in the acquisition, sale and development of land for an array of national and SME Residential Developers and Registered Providers. The team also works closely with other Birketts’ teams, which includes full support from tax, planning, environmental, construction and Real Estate litigation teams. Our property lawyers are particularly experienced in dealing with development and investment, planning, secured lending and landlord and tenant matters. The work you will be doing We are seeking a Legal Secretary to provide high-quality support to a busy and collaborative team, playing a key role in ensuring exceptional service is delivered to our clients. This is a varied and fast-paced role where no two days are the same. You'll work closely with lawyers and colleagues across the firm, helping to keep matters progressing smoothly while providing first-class administrative support. What you'll be doing: Producing, amending and proofreading a wide range of legal documents with speed and accuracy. Formatting, paginating and presenting documents in line with Birketts' professional house style. Supporting client onboarding and matter management processes, including preparing new client and matter opening documentation and compliance forms. Maintaining accurate electronic and paper filing systems to ensure information is organised and easily accessible. Acting as a professional first point of contact for clients and colleagues, handling telephone enquiries and directing queries appropriately. Managing busy Outlook diaries, coordinating meetings and arranging travel when required. Assisting the team with general administrative tasks to support the efficient delivery of legal services. Building strong working relationships with colleagues across the firm and contributing to a positive team environment. Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested. What we are looking for Demonstrates strong organisational and administrative skills, managing tasks and priorities efficiently Self-motivated, ability to use initiative and provide pro-active support to fee-earners Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines Strong attention to detail to produce work documentation which is consistently of a high standard Professional integrity and a commitment to providing excellent client service To be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, case management, Outlook and digital dictation Hybrid Working Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. During your 3 month probation period, there will be a requirement to be in the office full time whilst you are developing in the role. Once you have successfully passed probation, this role attracts a split of 60% office days and 40% working from home days per week. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application. Benefits As a Birketts colleague, you will be eligible to receive a wide range of benefits: 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed) Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee) Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share) Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance Paid