Secretary - Dispute Resolution

**Why Baker McKenzie?**

At Baker McKenzie, we are different in the way we think, work and behave. The first local, truly global law firm in Australia, we commenced operations in Sydney in 1964, in Melbourne in 1982 and in Brisbane in 2014. With our breadth of experience in the local market and global connectivity, we are the firm of choice for Australian and multinational companies. We have 6,500 lawyers globally who work seamlessly together - across practice groups, sectors and markets - to provide our clients with the connected perspectives, integrated solutions and seamless guidance they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected global market.

Baker McKenzie Australia offers you access to complex, market leading matters working with some of the world's best legal minds - people who know the law and who understand business. We have an unrivalled ability to provide training and secondment opportunities across our global network. Locally, we have an inclusive culture of learning, coaching and opportunity where you will work in small teams on matters that often cross borders. We value people who think ahead and get noticed.

**About the team**

Baker McKenzie's Dispute Resolution Group is one of the Australian office's largest practice groups and has the depth of experience and accomplishment to advise and represent clients in all matters associated with complex commercial disputes.

Known for our practical, commercial advice and problem solving, as well as our cross-border capability, we have the privilege of being instructed by major national and international organisations and leading insolvency practitioners in large-scale, complex restructuring and insolvency assignments, across a range of industries and disciplines.

Thanks to our collaborative approach, we can help our clients to remain compliant, innovative and profitable in what remains a quickly evolving industry.

**About the role**

A rare opportunity exists within our Melbourne team for a full-time Secretary. In this role, you will provide timely, efficient, and high-quality secretarial and administrative support across a variety of duties to assist one or two Partners and several Associates in the Dispute Resolution practice group.

Key Duties of the role include but are not limited to:

- **Answering the phone**:Screening calls, resolving simple queries, taking and relaying messages promptly, and redirecting queries when necessary.
- **Overflow support**: Providing overflow administrative support to other Secretaries, when required including leave cover.
- **Managing billing processes**:Handling monthly billing and specific client invoicing requirements, drafting and circulating invoices, distributing invoices to clients, and managing weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting for key clients.
- **Supporting client matter intake**: Assisting with the intake process for new client matters.
- **Processing expenses**: Handling expense claims and cheque requisitions.
- **Conducting conflict searches**:Performing conflict searches as required.
- **Communicating with clients**: Maintaining relationships with clients and assisting with business development activities to support the growth of our practice.
- **Event and travel coordination**: Organise couriers, conferences, functions, travel, and accommodation. Arrange internal and external meetings, including room bookings, car spaces, catering, and invitations.
- **Calendar management**: Manage authors’ calendars and schedules, ensuring you are always informed about their whereabouts.
- **File management**: Identify, open, generate, maintain, label, update, and close files according to tasks, author preferences, and Firm requirements.
- **Ad hoc tasks**: Handle various ad hoc tasks as requested.

**About you**
- Previous experience in a similar role, ideally in a law firm or professional services environment supporting multiple fee earners;
- A minimum typing speed of 50 wpm (90% accuracy rate);
- Technical proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel;
- Excellent customer service and client relationship skills;
- SAP experience (preferred but not required); and
- An Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice) or equivalent qualification is desirable.
- ability to work well in a team environment (including across Australian offices and internationally);
- willingness to learn; and
- willingness to develop others through mentoring and sharing experiences.

**Our benefits**
- **Financial**: competitive remuneration package, generous bonus scheme, salary continuance insurance, life insurance, salary sacrifice options, employee discounts, referral rewards, and travel insurance for you and your immediate family.
- **Learning & development opportunities**: client and international office secondments and regional and global development programs.
- **Flexibility**: hybrid and flexible working arrangements to balance your work and lifestyle.
- **Leave**: 26 weeks' paid parental leav