Hodge Jones & Allen LLP Job Opportunity

Hodge Jones & Allen LLP are looking to recruit a full-time Legal Assistant to join our busy Private Client department.

Their primary responsibility will be to receive and screen calls from those seeking HJA’s legal services in areas of law related to Private Client (Wills/Probate & Court of Protection Work), assisting the Court of Protection team with their professional deputyship work and professional trustee work inclusive of liaising with clients and stakeholders, and assisting the teams with various administrative tasks.

In dealing with incoming calls, the Legal Assistant will interact with clients in a sensitive and professional manner, utilising interviewing skills to assess how to best match clients with the appropriate resources within the firm or externally.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

Duties will vary in importance and priority, depending on circumstances and the needs of the business at any particular time, but will include the following key responsibilities:

• Receiving incoming calls and new enquiries promptly and within the timescales required.
• Through careful listening and questioning, to gain insight into the clients’ requirements and assist as far as possible e.g. take the enquiry details, forward a message, arrange an appointment, complaints procedure etc.
• Providing information on legal procedures, costs, remedies, and timescales to clients to resolve their legal problems in line with legal best practice and principles.
• Maintain updated referral sources and provide relevant information to the departments.
• Refer clients for appropriate legal assistance based on information gained.
• Forward messages in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate well-developed investigation skills.
• Demonstrate an ability to work effectively within a team and support team goals.
• Make outgoing calls to clients as appropriate.
• Deal with “walk-in clients” in a speedy and professional manner.
• Complete an accurate written attendance note of the call and ensure it is logged on the clients’ electronic file using the appropriate IT systems e.g. Salesforce, and email the relevant fee earner(s).
• Maintain an orderly and efficient filing system within Salesforce and Word to ensure that all relevant documentation (paper and electronic) is readily accessible.
• Liaise with fee earners as appropriate.
• Provide a generic ‘one stop’ approach, providing support across departments when required.
• Any other duties within the scope and capability of the jobholder, as may be reasonably required.