Summary
Serjeant & Son is one of the oldest firm of solicitors in the country, yet is modern in approach, with a supportive collegiate environment, offering a structured career path. We have a business support vacancy in our Thetford office for an Apprentice Receptionist / Legal Assistant.
Wage
£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday-Friday (9am-5pm)
35 hours a week
Start date
Monday 2 February 2026
Duration
2 years
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Day-to-day duties include:
* Ability to deal with clients face-to-face in a polite and efficient manner, as first point of contact within the firm.
* Quoting costs for our services, making appointments and booking meeting rooms.
* Certifying clients' ID when attending appointments.
* Providing teas and coffees for clients.
* Taking payments by card/cash or cheque and identifying correct client.
* Answering telephone calls, transferring to relevant person and taking detailed messages where required.
* Opening new matters on LEAP Practice Management database and producing standard letters in line with company policy.
* Distribution of post on daily basis once checked by Partner and scanned to relevant matters.
* Keeping files up-to-date in line with company policy.
* Following company procedure regarding filing of Wills, LPAs, and Deeds, and their collection by clients in line with GDPR Policy.
* Ensuring client confidentiality is observed at all times.
* Following procedure for closure of files.
* General office duties, including photocopying and scanning, when required.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged.
Where you'll work
Serjeant & Son, Kings House Cottage, King Street
Thetford
IP24 2AP
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
* Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
* Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
* Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
* Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
* Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
* Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
* Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
The learner will be studying the Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard qualification.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
Maths and English (grade 4-9)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Organisation skills
* Initiative
* Attention to detail
* Team working
* Logical
Other requirements
This role will involve detailed computer work and sustained periods at the reception desk.