Legal Secretary

Permanent - Full Time

Milano

Business - Corporate

About us

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to recruit a professional and forward-thinking legal secretary with a high level of discretion to provide support to one of our legal teams within the Milan Tax team. This is an exciting role for a good communicator, fluent in Italian and English, with a high level of interpersonal skills required to liaise with people across all our offices, clients and contacts.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, very organised and accurate with excellent attention to detail and the ability to use their initiative and exercise judgement in challenging situations. The role will at times be demanding and fast-paced, so you will need to be an efficient worker who can prioritise, multi-task, delegate and remain calm under pressure.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

• Extensive and often complex diary management, coordinating meetings to best utilise time, managing diary conflicts and preparing any necessary documentation in advance.
• A large part of this role will be billing (c. 65%). You will assist with the production of bills using our finance and time recording systems, communicating with the legal and support staff to ensure billing is carried out within the set deadlines.
• You will provide effective communication support to the Partners and fee-earners you work with, and their clients.
• Complex travel arrangements working across numerous time zones.
• Dealing with confidential issues in a responsible way.
• Provide effective mailbox management and maintenance of all electronic mail, including flagging up any mail or issues that need attention and on occasion responding to email correspondence.
• Ensuring documents and emails are e-filed appropriately and in line with the firm's e-filing policy.
• In conjunction with other secretarial staff and our marketing department, assist in keeping our client relationship management system up to date and produce reports as required.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job and, as such, the role may include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Qualifications required and experience in sector

Excellent academic background, educated to graduate level or has equivalent professional experience, with advanced IT skills.

Ideally, you will have worked in a similarly dynamic environment; previous experience within a law firm is appreciated but not mandatory.

You have the ability to use your initiative to pick up unfamiliar work quickly and be proactive.

Skills and attributes

• Fluent in Italian and English communication skills are mandatory (English proficiency equal to a C1 is a must).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High levels of interpersonal skills.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about providing exceptional client service.
• Ability to use your initiative to adapt and think laterally.
• The integrity to handle highly confidential information appropriately.
• Familiarity with technology e.g., Excel, Word, technically competent.
• Enjoy being a team player with a flexible and can-do attitude.
• Exhibit an ability to prioritise effectively.
• Financial aptitude (for billing and disbursements).

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.