Owen Reed is looking for a Practice Assistant for a top law firm in London to support its Commercial Real Estate team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal support professional to join a highly respected practice, providing first-class administrative and secretarial support to fee earners while delivering an exceptional client experience.

The Role

As a Practice Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting a busy Commercial Real Estate team through proactive diary management, high-quality document production, matter administration and client liaison. You’ll work closely with fee earners to ensure matters are managed efficiently while maintaining the highest professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Support

• Proactively manage fee earners’ diaries, meetings and appointments.
• Anticipate workloads and plan ahead with minimal supervision.
• Process legal applications, forms and property searches accurately.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of departmental systems and procedures.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Commercial Real Estate team.

Client Service & Business Development

• Deliver an exceptional service to both internal and external clients.
• Act as the first point of contact for fee earners and client enquiries.
• Assist with business development activities and marketing communications.
• Record business development meetings and client information within the firm’s CRM system.
• Maintain the highest levels of professionalism and client confidentiality.

Document Production

• Produce, amend and format high-quality legal documents, correspondence and reports.
• Create documents using firm templates and CRM information.
• Proofread documentation to ensure accuracy, grammar and consistency.
• Utilise the firm’s Document Management System effectively.

File & Matter Management

• Maintain accurate and well-organised client files throughout the matter lifecycle.
• Ensure files are updated, closed and archived in accordance with firm procedures.
• Keep accurate records of files transferred to off-site storage.
• Support fee earners with day-to-day matter administration.

Financial & Compliance Support

• Prepare bills and supporting documentation.
• Complete Anti-Money Laundering (AML) documentation and obtain client identification.
• Carry out conflict searches and ensure work is correctly categorised.
• Support compliance with the firm’s risk management procedures.

About You

We’re looking for an organised, proactive and client-focused legal support professional who thrives in a collaborative environment.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Practice Assistant, Legal Secretary or Legal PA within a law firm.
• Essential experience supporting a Commercial Real Estate team.
• Experience in Rural Property would be advantageous.
• Excellent diary management and organisational skills.
• Strong document production and proofreading abilities.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Experience using document management and CRM systems.
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.
• A flexible, reliable and team-oriented approach.
• The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade C/Level 4 or above).