The firm
DMH Stallard is an award winning South East law, Legal 100 firm with offices in London, Brighton, Gatwick, Guilford, Horsham and Hassocks. DMH Stallard has grown rapidly since it was established in 1970, and has a headcount of approx 380. Our firm provides a comprehensive range of commercial, dispute resolution and litigation, employment, cyber security and cyber-crime, corporate, intellectual property, real estate and technology, media and telecoms advice to both businesses and individuals. Our clients, our people and our professional networks are the keys to our success.
The department
Job Purpose:
To operate as an effective member of the Family Team sitting in the Dispute Resolution Group based predominantly in the Brighton office.
Provide legal & administrative support to fee-earners within the Sussex Family Team and support Susan Hayes, Senior Solicitor in Brighton in particular.
To achieve the targets as defined by the Group Head/Head of Department, including contribution and hours in a role initially intended to be 30% paralegal and 70% administrative support.
To work with and assist members of the Family Team in the day-to-day running of cases
To assist the admin team with taking detail and instructions from potential new clients and working with more senior fee earners to arrange appointments. Responsibilities and duties:
To participate and contribute to the Family Team and the Dispute Resolution group to ensure an effective working environment, supporting Associates and Partners on more complex matters as appropriate
Attend relevant technical training to ensure that skills and knowledge remain up-to-date
To attend and contribute to group meetings
Continuously develop their own technical expertise
Maintain awareness of the legal market specifically relating to family work, and litigation.
Taking calls from new clients and arranging for them to meet with a more senior fee earner for initial consultations.
Work as part of the Dispute Resolution (Family) Group dealing with, but not limited to divorce; matrimonial arbitration/mediation; pre-nuptial agreements; custody agreements; wills & trusts disputes etc.
Typing documents, reports & correspondence as dictated by Associates & Partners
Attend meetings as requested by Associates & Partners with subsequent drafting of minutes
Attend court as requested by Associates & Partners and associated support work as required
Maintaining accurate data on case manager and The Bus
To monitor own performance in relation to file closures, file openings, time recording and to take appropriate action to ensure targets are met
To be responsible for the delivery of the service to the client, ensuring that the highest standards of client care are maintained so that clients use DMHS again and recommend the firm to others.
To assist in the monthly generation of bills;
Administrative support to the Sussex team in general to include potentially audio typing, filing and secretarial duties. Other information
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:
Some previous experience of litigation and/or Family work would be an advantage (or a demonstrable ability to do so)
Some knowledge of general family related legislation and relevant case law
Able to effectively manage their time to achieve client and internal deadlines
An understanding of the importance of client care and ability to communicate effectively with clients, in writing, over the telephone and in meetings
Able to work within a team and provide support to Associates and Partners as appropriate
Confident Excel skills sufficient to enable the reviewing of relevant matters
Competent IT skills including Outlook, Word, Digital Dictation and Axxia
Ability to draft documentation and minutes, with attention to detail
Understanding of the strategy and vision of the firm
Convey technical legal information when necessary in an effective and accessible way Benefits:
25 days holiday (of which 3.5 are taken during the Christmas period), plus Birthday holiday, plus Bank Holidays.
Life Assurance
Private Healthcare
Employee Assistance Programme
Sodexo Discounts
Pension Scheme
Interest free season ticket loans
Cycle to work scheme
Discounts on Legal work