Owen Reed is looking for a Senior Practice Assistant for a top law firm in London.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Practice Assistant to join a highly regarded Employment team on a part-time job-share basis. The successful candidate will work 2.5–3 days per week (Wednesday to Friday), providing high-level, proactive support to fee earners and the wider team.
The role suits someone who is exceptionally organised, detail-oriented and confident managing a broad and varied workload in a fast-paced legal environment.
Working Hours*Part-time: 2.5–3 days per week
*Wednesday to Friday, 9.30am – 5.30pm
The RoleAs a Senior Practice Assistant, you will provide comprehensive practice and PA support to allocated fee earners, while remaining flexible to assist across the wider Employment team. You will act as a trusted support professional, anticipating needs, managing priorities and contributing positively to team performance.
Key ResponsibilitiesOrganisational & Practice Support*Proactive diary management with forward planning based on fee earner workloads
*Monitoring key dates, deadlines and matter-related activities
*Arranging meetings (including online and hybrid), travel and itineraries
*Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of fee earners’ matters
*Processing applications, forms, searches and internal procedures with minimal supervision
*Conducting basic research and preparing materials for client meetings
*Continuously improving PA support processes and systems
Client Relationship & Business Development*Acting as a first point of contact for fee earners
*Delivering a consistently high level of client service
*Supporting business development meetings and events (including online technical support)
*Assisting with BD materials in collaboration with the BD team
*Using Rio to record BD activity, set reminders and support follow-ups
*Developing an understanding of client needs and departmental work to support new enquiries
Document Production*Producing high-quality documents at speed, in line with house style
*Creating documents using firm templates and contact data from Rio
*Proofreading all documents for accuracy, grammar and clarity
*Drafting correspondence on behalf of fee earners where appropriate
*Supporting ebundle preparation
*Acting as a role model in document production standards and mentoring others
*Working with IT to test and improve templates and precedents
IT & Systems*Super-user level proficiency in:
*Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
*Aderant, Rio, Intapp and Diktamen
*Troubleshooting IT issues and liaising with IT when required
*Supporting system development and testing initiatives
File & Risk Management*Maintaining accurate and well-organised electronic files
*Ensuring compliance with e-filing and department protocols
*Managing file closures, archiving and off-site storage records
*Supporting AML, conflict checks and client onboarding processes
*Drafting client care letters and preparing bills and narratives
*Managing billing cycles, WIP, time recording and unpaid bill follow-up
*Monitoring finance-related KPIs
Skills & ExperienceEssential
*Previous secretarial / practice assistant experience within a law firm
*GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
*Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
*Excellent communication and attention to detail
*Confident working under pressure and managing competing demands
*Proactive, flexible and reliable team player
Desirable
*Experience supporting an Employment team