Commercial Property Legal Secretary
We are looking for a Legal Secretary to join our Commercial Property team based in central Bristol.
The work of the Commercial Property department includes a wide range of matters such as buying and selling business property, property financing, commercial leases and property development. The team also works closely with the Corporate and Commercial and Property Litigation departments.
The role
On a day-to-day basis, you can expect to be involved in:
Secretarial and administrative work
* Typing, using SOS Connect to manage all current and archived matters, including managing existing contacts and client data and creating new contacts, clients and matters.
* Liaising with clients and others.
* Organising meetings and courses and travel arrangements when necessary.
* Taking telephone messages and ensuring that post is dealt with and sent.
* Maintenance of file format and content in accordance with the Office Manual, photocopying and scanning documents as required.
* Assisting with Reception duties when required.
* Carrying out various searches as part of a normal property transaction.
* Updating contact details.
* Supporting file audits.
* Carrying out AP1 & SDLT and other filings and submitting to relevant authorities.
* Interacting with the Land Registry and assisting with requisitions.
Accounts procedures
* Obtaining the approval of Accounts of all bills/claims prepared.
* Obtaining payment on account from clients.
* Requesting cheques & obtaining Partner's signature to cheques.
* Preparing written requests for banker's drafts.
* Notifying Accounts of incoming telegraphic transfers, making requests for telegraphic transfers by telephone.
* Counting money received from clients as petty cash payments-in.
* Requesting transfer of money between client and office accounts.
* Referring amendments to cheques and bills to partners for approval and dealing with the formalities for such amendment.
* Perusing monthly printouts and taking the required action including ensuring that all client money is placed on deposit.
* Chasing money due.
* Preparing bills.
* Managing monthly retainer accounts/bills.
* Preparing completion statements.
* Preparing written requests for telegraphic transfers/BACS and liaising with Accounts.
* Liaising with clients and third parties confirming account details.
* Arranging payment of third-party invoices.
* Any other reasonable duties as directed by your manager.
About us
Barcan and Kirby is well known in the Bristol legal market both as a provider of excellent legal services for individuals and businesses, and as a progressive employer.
We are committed to developing and nurturing our people, and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health is central to our culture. We encourage open communication and foster a culture where colleagues are supported in achieving a real work/life balance.
At Barcan and Kirby, we work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and friendliness, and welcome applications from individuals who fit with our values.
We like to think that we do things a bit differently from other law firms.
The ideal candidate
Our ideal candidate will:
* Have previous secretarial experience and be used to working closely with clients and working accurately to deadlines.
* Have experience of using case management software.
* Be able to work calmly in a fast-paced environment.
* Hold a GCSE (or equivalent), grade 4 or above, in English and Maths.
* Be computer literate.
Experience of working in a Commercial Services team, or law firm/legal sector would be beneficial.
Location and working hours
* Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday)
* Part-time considered.
* The role is based at our Prince House office in central Bristol but with the option to apply for hybrid working upon successful completion of probation.
Belonging at Barcan and Kirby
We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. We want you to bring your true self to work and encourage applications from anyone who embodies our values, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, disability status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or anything else that makes you, you.
If there is anything we can do to make things more comfortable for you as part of the application process, including making a reasonable adjustment, please let us know by emailing
Closing date for applications
Applications for this role close at 9am on Tuesday 14th October, with interviews on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd October.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £23,751.00-£35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person