Personal Assistant

Personal Assistant to Corporate Finance 

(12 month FTC)
London

Freshfields Overview

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm has over 2,400 lawyers in 28 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.

Our people make our firm - we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams. Our culture is a product of the combined mindsets and behaviours of our people which is through the Being Freshfields principles, outlined below,

• we show respect to everyone
• we are there for one another
• we are open with each other
• we are positive role models

We think and work globally - we don’t just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.

We aim to add value in everything we do - we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.

Freshfields is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds make important and positive contributions to our business and how we service our clients.

Location Overview

Our London office is at the heart of our global network, in one of the most exciting world cities. London is arguably the world’s greatest financial centre: all of the world’s leading financial institutions have a significant presence here. It’s home to the headquarters of more than 100 of Europe’s largest companies. Our London team has a reputation that’s second to none.

They’re the team the world’s leading businesses turn to for help with their most challenging problems. They work with colleagues around the world on complex, cross-border deals and disputes.

Whether you join as a lawyer, a recent graduate or in a business services role, London is a great place to work. You will have the opportunity to work on challenging, engaging work that will give you the opportunity to make your mark and progress your career. We believe there is no better place to work.

Qualifications

• Excellent academic background, educated to college/’A’ level or has equivalent professional experience

Summary of role

This role is for a proactive and competent PA who will operate successfully in a pressurised and fast-paced environment, providing professional and client-focussed support to stakeholders. Reporting to the Practice Group Manager, the individual needs to be adaptive and supportive of change and sufficiently experienced to build relationships. The role will include proactively taking ownership of tasks and projects, providing transactional support and playing a critical role in managing all routine and daily administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with, and develop and maintain a knowledge of, internal and external clients, matter deals and projects
• Act as gatekeeper for stakeholders
• Diary management, using own initiative to manage email accounts and to develop and maintain systems to promote efficiency
• Draft correspondence and engagement letters
• Build strong relationships with business services teams and maintain effective and efficient use of business support services
• Ensure all activities and duties adhere to risk and compliance requirements
• Attend and contribute to team meetings as required
• Travel arrangements
• Assist with financial and transactional management, ie billing process, WIP and client matter engagement
• Proactive upward management of business development and other firm-wide initiatives
• Support additional stakeholders and colleagues as and when required
• Identify and facilitate knowledge sharing within peer group and wider team
• General administrative support

Requirements

• Strong Microsoft Office skills
• A thorough understanding of working in a professional, service driven environment and of stakeholder/client/business confidentiality
• Confident and professional manner with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and clients
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact at all levels
• Collaborative and supportive of the business and its initiatives
• Adaptable and open to change, showing a willingness and confidence to make suggestions for change where appropriate
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to remain proactive and flexible at all times
• Anticipate and identify potential problems and provide innovative solutions
• A strong team player

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing. Please note that, in line with the requirements of the UK Border Agency, non-EEA candidates may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled EEA candidate can fill the position.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.