Legal Secretary

A key position for an energetic and team-orientated Legal Secretary has become available in the Johannesburg offices of ENS within the dynamic and high-performing Competition department.

Handling general administrative and other supportive tasks on a day-to-day basis support of principal and team to reduce the administrative burden on principal and team, including, but not limited to:

• Effective general office management and administrative support to competition team members
• Managing matter openings, conflict checks, engagement letters, FICA and maintain accurate matter records.
• Opening matters with correct billing codes, liaising with multiple fee earners and departments regarding time recordal and accuracy of narrations, preparing prebills, processing edits, finalising invoices on 3E, and submitting via e-billing portals.
• Actively monitoring debtors and collections.
• Creating and maintaining an efficient filing system, including organising and maintaining electronic and physical files.
• Effectively organising self and office, including management and scheduling of various team meetings, training events and other professional activities within the department
• Establishing and/or maintaining relationships with professionals, support staff and internal/external clients, and providing administrative assistance to all team members
• Creating and maintaining efficient team databases (client contact lists, law firm contact lists on Interaction, matter lists, training schedules, reportable transactions, etc.)
• Telephone duties: effective screening and problem resolution, scheduling and co-ordination of appointments, meetings and client contacts for the team
• Handling of correspondence and emails
• Diary management
• Management of team member’s travel arrangements and meeting scheduling

• Managing all administrative aspects of the practice timely and accurately
• Preparation of accounts and debtor management
• Providing pro-active support and assistance in respect of all aspects of the practice by becoming involved in team members’ practice management
• Providing effective verbal and written communication in addressing internal and external clients' requests and expectations
• Prioritising tasks when under pressure

• Sound secretarial skills with the ability to display initiative
• Strong administrative skills
• Team player, professional, flexible and friendly, with a genuine interest in the activities of the competition department and team members, i.e. a people’s person
• Possess highly developed interpersonal and communications skills, and a good telephone manner
• Excellent computer/ typing skills
• Sense of confidentiality, urgency and the ability to work under pressure
• High energy levels
• To be proactive in offering assistance and follow ups
• Prioritising tasks and making time to give priority to prioritised tasks when under pressure
• A high standard of efficiency in handling tasks, dealing with people and creating a general professional atmosphere
• Strong attention to detail / accuracy and good turn-around time for tasks

• Excellent computer skills in the following packages:
  Microsoft Word
  , Microsoft Power Point , Outlook,
  Excel, Elite and Interaction
• Good working knowledge of the time recording, client accounts and billing system
• Excellent English language skills

• Matric Certificate
• Candidate should have at least 5 years’ experience in a secretarial role
• Previous experience working in a law firm environment (preferred)
• Secretarial qualification/diploma or other related qualification (preferred)

The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to understand the needs of clients and to communicate effectively with them, as well as to manage client relations. In addition, the candidate must be ambitious, achievement-oriented, focused and able to work well and accurately under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.