Legal Assistant

The Firm

HFW is a sector focused global law firm with a focus on construction, shipping, aerospace, commodities, corporate & commercial and insurance. We have over 700 lawyers working across Australia, Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Americas. With a progressive approach to our roles in commercial business, thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients, we are dynamic, entrepreneurial and leaders in our specialist areas.

In Australia, we have 4 offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth and around 220 team members.

The Team

Our National Construction team operates across all three of our Australian offices. In Sydney, our Construction team is composed of three Partners, four Senior Associates and five Associates. We represent many of the largest international construction companies, with a particular focus on infrastructure projects in the energy and transport sectors. Working collaboratively across multiple jurisdictions we provide a dependable and responsive service, irrespective of where the project is based.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated Legal Assistant to join our Construction team in Sydney on a permanent full-time basis. Working together with a Legal Assistant and being supported by the wider team of Legal Assistants, you will be supporting the Partners and the rest of the Construction team in Sydney. As a Legal Assistant you help to ensure smooth day-to-day running of the team by providing proactive and effective general administration assistance to the Partners and fee earner group. Your key tasks and responsibilities will include:

Practice Management

• Organising travel arrangements
• Opening new matters and following Risk & Compliance procedures
• Drafting Client Care Letters
• Drafting and preparing bills
• Maintaining filing (including e-files)
• Managing Partners' diaries 
• Organising and confirming client meetings
• Keeping records up to date, including client database
• Monitoring files and managing close/archive process
• Completing expense reconciliation via Chrome River
• Assisting new staff with office procedures
• Assist with office administration, cover Reception and complete other administrative tasks as required

Preparation of Documents

• Producing information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics
• Co-ordinating case preparation documents
• Performing legal research

Communication:

• Organising and triaging e-mails
• Handling calls for the team
• Liaising with clients, maintaining and fostering relationships

If you possess a minimum of 2 years' experience in a professional services or legal firm, this might be the role for you. Specifically, we seek for individuals who:

• Exhibit exceptional attention to detail
• Possess intermediate skills in MS Office 
• Can effectively liaise with people at all levels
• Are highly organised
• Maintain strong professional communication, both written and verbal
• Are eager to learn and share their knowledge
• Prior experience with iManage and Elite is highly regarded but not essential

What's in it for you?

If you're eager to join a friendly team in a positive environment, this opportunity could be ideal for you. As well as a friendly, down to earth group of colleagues, we offer the following benefits:

• Market-competitive remuneration package, transparent and generous bonus scheme, employee referral incentives, and life and salary continuance insurance
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives, such as annual flu vaccinations, access to the Employee Assistance Program, free subscriptions to wellbeing apps, and subsidised sporting activities
• An active employee-led Social Committee, organising regular events in all our offices
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, allowing you to balance work and life commitments effectively
• The ability to purchase additional annual leave and access our Paid Parental Leave (26 weeks)
• Beautiful offices in the CBD with excellent end-of-trip facilities
• A welcoming, supportive, and collaborative work environment

What's next?  

If this sounds like an opportunity for you, apply online with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you are interested in this role. We would love to hear from you!

If you have any questions, please contact: Hana Edstein, HR Consultant - hana.edstein@hfw.com.