Legal Assistant

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experience Legal Assistant / Law Clerk to join our Public Law & Regulatory Compliance in Melbourne office.

**Primary Duties and Responsibilities**

Legal Assistant Duties:

- Screens telephone calls - taking detailed and accurate messages and instructions as required.
- Preparation of legal documents, correspondence, memoranda, file notes, and briefs for hearings, advices or conferences, including dictation.
- Proactively maintaining lawyer appointments, hearings and reminders for court timetables ensuring deadlines are metetc.
- Assists lawyers in preparing and developing precedents for submission to the precedents team.
- Creates and maintains files - file management of substantial amounts of documents. This includes the opening of files, preparation of documentation and initial letters as required. All documents, letters and files notes etc. should be placed in digital files preferably at the conclusion of each day.
- Assist with management of sub-contractors, including Counsel, including obtaining rates and availabilities.
- Deals with clients and client queries in a polite, friendly, and appropriate manner.
- Liaises with barristers, clients, witnesses, principals, lawyers and staff.
- Assists with financial management of files and compliance with estimates.
- Assists lawyers in preparing and maintaining spreadsheets and presentations.
- Assumes general office duties (filing, photocopying, faxing, binding etc).
- Prepares detailed bills, cheque requisitions, write offs, expense claims and other related tasks.
- Enters time sheets, as requested.
- Books travel arrangements and accommodation, where required.
- Liaise with the Accounts department in relation to the file administration and accounts matters as requested.
- Updates cost estimates in the firm’s practice management system.
- Assist other Legal Assistants where necessary and provides back up as a buddy.
- Maintains cyber security at all times. Cultivate an awareness of security risks, stay informed of latest cyber threats, instil best cybersecurity practises and take practical steps to protect the firm and client from cyberattacks.

Law clerk duties:

- Preparation of RK Docs Connect templates, orders and business analysis reports (sales, enquiries, trends).
- Development of workflows liaising with authors of Russell Kennedy templates for development maintenance and response to enquiries,
- Manage WIP and invoicing of RK DC,
- Preparation of board reports,
- Monitor and maintain central inbox for RK Docs Connect enquires and RK Aged Care Documents.
- Assist with responding to enquiries regarding RK and RK Docs Connect templates.
- Refer any legal questions coming through the central inboxes or enquiries to nominated lawyers.
- Assisting with the administrative requirements of the customer relationship management program for the Aged Care and Retirement Living sector group.
- Maintain a record of enquiries, conversions of sale and follow ups.
- Prepare minutes, draft agendas, action plans and correspondence.
- Co-ordinate activities and follow ups.
- Liaise with legal and business services staff, clients and suppliers with a focus on engaging and enhancing relationships.
- Any other reasonable duties as requested.

**Skills/Knowledge**
- Strong attention to detail.
- Excellent literacy and communication skills.
- Professional and confident telephone manner.
- Polished secretarial skills and, most importantly, accurate typing, minimum 70 wpm.
- Excellent organisational and administrative ability.
- Advanced knowledge of MS Word for Windows, knowledge of PowerPoint and internet web skills.
- Knowledge of iManage 10 and Aderant.

**Experience**
- Legal administration background of at least 5+ years working in a commercial law firm.
- Experience working at a senior level.

**Further Information**

**Our Firm and Culture**

Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 340 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.

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. 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, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500 or less employees. We respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm supports a