Legal Practice Assistant - Dispute Resolution

We are seeking a proactive and enthusiastic Legal Practice Assistant to join our Dispute Resolution team, providing high-quality support that enables our lawyers to deliver exceptional service to clients. As a valued member of both the Dispute Resolution and wider Practice Support teams, you will build strong working relationships across the firm and play an important role in the effective management of matters and client relationships. Working in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, you will use your experience and initiative to deliver an efficient, responsive support service, helping to drive the success of the team while contributing to a culture of teamwork and excellence.

Working collaboratively as part of the Legal Practice Assistant support team assisting our lawyers by:

· Taking ownership and using initiative to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard, using the tools and resources available

· Actively pursuing continuous development and staying updated on policies, processes, workflows, and technology.

· Seeking clarification when unsure about tasks or responsibilities.

· Working flexibly by assisting colleagues during absences or peak workloads.

Collaborating with lawyers and Business Teams, using the Practice Management System (Liberate) for efficient client and matter management, including:

· Creating client records and opening and closing matters in a timely manner.

· Completing post inception tasks e.g., drafting and sending engagement letters.

· Managing finance transactions and requests.

· Driving the billing process, including drafting, amending, sending and following up on bills.

· Maintaining data integrity by keeping client and matter records updated.

· Holding fortnightly matter management meetings with lawyers and completing actions agreed.

· Drafting communications including emails, letters, and presentations.

· Direct interaction with clients, including distressed individuals requiring additional support.

· Supporting ongoing proceedings by managing key dates, filing documents, and coordinating with tribunals or courts.

Applying your knowledge and proficiency in the MS Office Suite, iManage and other relevant software, to manage all documents and correspondence accurately, including:

· Creating and formatting internal, business development and client-facing documents.

· Transcribing dictation.

· Creating and editing documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations.

· Preparing document bundles for fee earners.

· Electronic and paper filing, and archiving.

General administrative support, including:

· Providing diary and inbox management as required.

· Supporting lawyers with global travel arrangements, expenses management, itineraries etc.

· Updating lawyers’ CPD records on Vinciworks.

· Conducting research and other ad hoc duties as required.

Specific tasks may change over time, so we’ll need you to be adaptable and flexible as we continue to meet our clients’ needs.

About our Dispute Resolution team

Our Dispute Resolution team are the only litigation team in the country that are part of a purpose-driven law firm, who use law as a force for good and help organisations be better.

The depth and breadth of our practice, the range of our technical knowledge and our personal commitment to serve a wide range of clients is second to none. As well as acting to resolve disputes related to companies and other businesses, contracts, fraud, procurement and IP, we manage high profile, complex and high value disputes within the not-for-profit sector. We have specialist practices in charity legacy disputes, media litigation and other areas.

We advise. We negotiate. We mediate. We help avoid costly court cases. But if court proceedings, arbitration, adjudication, or any other formal legal process becomes necessary, we advise and represent our clients in all forums.

· Previous experience within a legal or professional services environment.

· Good commercial awareness and an understanding of how a legal practice operates.

· Minimum of 2 - 3 years Legal Practice Assistant experience.

· Experience of legal billing.

· A calm and confident communication style, with the ability to build effective working relationships with clients and colleagues at all levels.
· Strong organisational skills, resilience and a proactive approach to work, anticipating and actioning next steps.
· A friendly, personable and enthusiastic outlook, with a genuine commitment to excellent client service.
· A collaborative approach, valuing teamwork, adaptability and flexibility.
· An active interest in learning and developing new skills.
· Excellent literacy and numeracy skills, with strong attention to detail, accuracy, spelling and grammar.
· Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
· A minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 5/C or above, including English Language and Maths.
· You share our values and want to make a difference.
· You want to feel that you are a part of the Bates Wells experience and ‘belong’.

Desirable skills

· A typing speed of at least 60 words per minute. · Relevant CILEX or BTEC Administration qualifications.
· Previous experience within a Dispute Resolution department.

Impact-Driven Purpose
We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.

Committed to the Climate
Through our Climate Programme, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.

Championing Inclusion
We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.

Flexible and Hybrid Working
Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.

Progressive Benefits
We offer green pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.