Baker McKenzie

The Senior Practice Assistant will demonstrate secretarial and administrative competencies to the highest level. The role-holder will provide first class administrative support and secretarial service to some fee-earners (Partners/Senior Associates) as assigned.

Main responsibilities:

• Client intake (e.g. Anti-Money Laundering (AML), engagement letters) and expert Billing support at all levels (e.g. Work In Progress (WIP) review, sending final invoices, collections management, accruals, etc.)
• Support client activities and requirements in a proactive manner (first contact, resolve basic queries)
• Navigate ServiceNow for various tasks, including document services (typing, formatting), resolution of IT-related issues and access to basic financial reporting metrics, using SAP
• Extensive experience working in the legal sector or other professional services environment
• Strategic liaison with Center-based/End-to-End (E2E) services to ensure full utilization and coordination of services is always provided, reviewing material as needed, before sharing with attorneys
• Document preparation for urgent jobs, which are not suitable to be sent to Document Services
• Complex diary management, call handling and meeting organization for external meetings (utilizes General Admin Services (GAS) for internal meetings)
• Act as a gatekeeper
• Manage the in-box and assist with email filing into iManage, and support with hard copy filing
• Provide administrative support at meetings, capturing outputs and following up as needed; Action any assigned specific tasks/objectives as output of meetings
• Manage and coordinate all aspects of tasks assigned (e.g. meetings, events, travel, etc.)
• Collate and provide feedback with a solution-oriented mindset
• Support junior secretarial staff by acting as mentor/buddy
• Undertake support of local practice group tasks and requirements

Skills and experience:

• Extensive work experience in the legal sector or other professional services environment
• An advanced and specialized expertise, typically developed through a combination of job-related training and considerable work experience within several different practice and functional areas
• 'Can-do' attitude, proactive, and can take the initiative
• Consistently demonstrate secretarial competencies to the highest level in all areas
• Able to manage complex diary and calendar management activities
• Strong document management skills
• Can exhibit passion in collaborating with internal clients and stakeholders
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency in all software packages (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Teams)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• High-level organizational skills
• Able to understand the importance of Client Service
• Can identify and proactively develop knowledge and skill gaps
• Able to handle complex activities and are solution-oriented
• Lead by example (be a role model)
• Will exercise independent judgement and be able to escalate issues effectively
• Can seek to enhance and self-develop

Reports to:  Secretarial Services Leader

Position Type:  In Market

Development Framework:   Business Support

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

To Apply

At Baker McKenzie we welcome direct applications.

Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role.  We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application.  If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Recruitment Team on either 020 7919 1000 or Recruitment.London@bakermckenzie.com

For more information about this position or to discuss any adjustments you may require during the process please contact in confidence, Charlotte Reynolds, Secretarial Services Leader, on 02079 191 134 or Charlotte.Reynolds@bakermckenzie.com

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NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs.  Please click here for details of our Agency Policy and commitment to sourcing directly.

Baker & McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us.  We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.