We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Legal Assistant to join our Dispute Resolution team in Melbourne.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Document Management – preparation of substantial amounts of documentation including barrister’s briefs, court books, compiling submissions etc.
- Proactively manage appointments, deadlines, tasks and reminders for file work, hearings, settlements, client meetings, etc.
- File Management – create and maintain files in an orderly manner. Review and file email correspondence.
- Document Preparation - transcription of digital dictation and general typing, including preparation of correspondence, agreements, advices, and court documents. Working with templates, precedents and mail merge documents.
- Client Support – liaise professionally with barristers, and witnesses. Answer client queries where appropriate, managing client expectations around communications.
- Information / Precedent Management – ensure precedents and templates are updated in accordance with legislative or firm changes.
- Communication – prioritise workflow and ensure fee earners are provided with feedback as to the status of current work, future tasks and significant dates.
- Support fee earners in building the RK brand and developing strong professional relationships with clients and associations.
- Billing – entering daily timesheets, preparing detailed bills, cheque requisitions, write offs, expense claims and other related tasks in accordance with firm protocols and deadlines (Aderant).
- Manage service of documents, court filings and the delivery of briefs to Counsel, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Team Support –assist other support staff with overflow work. Use initiative to identify and communicate suggestions for improvement in client service, teamwork, etc.
Skills/Knowledge
- Proficiency across the MS Office suite, with experience using document management and billing systems.
- High level of attention to detail, with a commitment to producing accurate, high‑quality work.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.
- Exceptional organisational skills, demonstrated through supporting multiple fee earners and managing competing priorities.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a legal secretarial role.
- Demonstrated experience supporting senior practitioners in a litigious or dispute resolution practice.
- Strong understanding of litigation processes and procedures.
Further Information
Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to Kat Pena on (03) 8637 9496 or [email protected]. For further information or to submit your application for this position please visit the careers page on our website. Please note any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy Lawyers to the successful candidate will be subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only. No agency referrals will be accepted at this stage.
Our Firm and Culture
Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 380 people in Melbourne and Sydney. At Russell Kennedy we are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.
We’re committed to making a difference for our clients, providing opportunities for our people, and delivering lasting change for our community. As part of our team, you’ll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle.
At Russell Kennedy, we respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm is dedicated to creating an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. This is regardless of all differences, including culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, age, religion, personal circumstances, physical features, abilities and disabilities, socioeconomics and sexual orientation.
We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.
Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality. We are committed to being a LGBTIQ friendly and disability confident employer. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives including, the Russell Kennedy Women’s Network and our Diversity and Inclusion committee, with 3 key focuses: Access RK (Accessibility and Disability), Kaleidoscope (Cultural Diversity) and SPARKLE (LGBTIQ).
Russell Kennedy is dedicated to creating and participating in a meaningful process of reconciliation as part of the broader national reconciliation movement. Our key aims in embarking on our first RAP are to celebrate the deep knowledge of First Nations communities, the longest continuing cultures in the world, acknowledge past wrongs and to begin to build a structured future together where we can play our part in righting those wrongs through our own reconciliation initiatives.
Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting the best talent available and is open to discussing flexible work arrangements and workplace adjustments for all of our listed vacancies.
