Experienced Legal PA – Commercial Disputes (Fixed Term, 12 Months)

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Legal PA to join our Commercial Disputes service line in a 12-month fixed-term contract. Based in our central London office, this role offers hybrid working arrangements.

The Commercial Disputes service line sits within our Disputes and Risk Practice Group, providing expert legal advice across a broad range of commercial litigation matters.

You will provide high-level, professional, and proactive PA support to a team of fee earners. This is a busy and varied role, requiring an organised, proactive individual who enjoys collaborating in a diverse team and a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional, effective, and proactive PA support to Partners and fee earners within the Commercial Disputes service line.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings with fee earners to:
  • Understand their proactive work needs for the week.
  • Record and follow up on actions, including:
    • Diary management (planning, scheduling, and conflict resolution).
    • Travel arrangements (including international).
    • Meeting bookings and preparing agendas.
    • Expenses management (preparations, tracking, and processing).
    • Billing support (ensuring accuracy, mark-up, and client invoicing).
• Act as a diary gatekeeper for Partners — anticipating and resolving potential clashes, self-organising complex schedules, and managing third-party invitations.
• Proactively handle travel arrangements (including international), conference bookings, and meeting logistics with advance preparation.
• Assist with billing processes by:
  • Working closely with the finance team.
  • Accessing relevant revenge reports.
  • Ensuring correct time allocations and mark-up rates.
  • Qualifying diligent invoices with supporting correspondence.
• Manage financial administration for fee earners, including:
  • Monthly cost updates.
  • Client documentation updates.
  • Requesting purchase order numbers.
• Assist with:
  • File opening and client due diligence.
  • Setting up new matters.
  • Drafting engagement letters.
  • Expense collation and processing.
• Monitor and manage mailboxes, acting as a gatekeeper for messages and calls in a timely and professional manner.
• Handle client, colleague, and third-party enquiries.
• Prepare document comparisons and manage electronic filing systems.
• Draft short correspondence and communications, with proven ability to:
  • Amend and format large/complex documents.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with:
  • The Commercial PA team.
  • Other internal and external contacts.
• Work with the team to develop and streamline collaborative processes.
• Assist with ad-hoc IT queries and liaise with the IT team, particularly for new joiners.