Secretary jobs in Darlington

Role Purpose

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Legal Administrative Assistant to provide high-quality administrative and client support to the immigration advisory and legal team. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the practice through effective file administration, document management, client communication and process coordination.

This role requires exceptional attention to detail, excellent communication skills, discretion, strong organisational capability and a commitment to delivering an outstanding client experience.

Key Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

1. Communication

Establish and maintain effective communication with clients, colleagues, external agencies, interpreters, counsel chambers, courts, the Home Office and other stakeholders using multiple communication platforms.

Ensure all communication is professional, timely, accurate and aligned to organisational and regulatory standards.

2. Personal and People Development

Proactively develop and maintain knowledge of legal administrative processes, immigration documentation requirements, compliance standards and internal systems.

Participate in training, coaching and shared best practice initiatives.

3. Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Act as an ambassador for health, safety and wellbeing across Edwards Immigration Services Ltd.

Promote a safe, respectful and positive working environment for colleagues, clients and visitors.

4. Quality

Maintain high standards of administrative accuracy, document control, diary management and file housekeeping.

Identify opportunities to improve administrative workflows and client service processes.

5. Equality and Diversity

Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and dignity in all client and colleague interactions.

Maintain professional standards in and outside the workplace, including social media conduct.

Technical and Legal Administrative Responsibilities

Administrative Support

· Prepare client onboarding packs, engagement letters, invoices and standard correspondence.

· Open, update, organise and close physical and electronic case files.

· Manage appointment scheduling, diary coordination and meeting logistics.

· Prepare bundles, scan, paginate, photocopy and securely file supporting evidence.

· Support legal aid and private billing administration processes.

Client Support

· Act as the first point of contact for client enquiries by telephone, email and in person.

· Provide a warm, efficient and professional front-of-house and case support service.

· Request documents, chase outstanding information and keep clients updated on administrative progress.

Compliance & Risk

· Ensure all file administration is carried out in accordance with data protection, AML, confidentiality and internal compliance procedures.

· Maintain accurate records on the case management system.

· Support file audits, accreditation reviews and regulatory inspections.

Team Contribution

· Provide day-to-day support to solicitors, immigration advisers and caseworkers.

· Contribute to team meetings, service improvements and administrative best practice.

Values and behaviours

All postholders are expected to embody the following principles in their daily practice:

Client-centred care: Deliver personal, compassionate and responsive support, to client’s during their immigration journey.

Expert professionalism: Demonstrate integrity and up-to-date legal administration support across immigration matters within the non-qualified scope.

Clarity and confidence: Provide clear, practical and reassuring support that enables clients to progress their administrative requirements.

Quality without compromise: Prepare, save, file, collate case documentation to the highest possible standards and order.

Trust and accountability: Build confidence through honest communication, reliability, confidentiality and ownership of outcomes.

Inclusive personalised service: Recognise that every client matter is unique and tailor support to individual goals and circumstances.

Continuous improvement: Maintain current knowledge and best practice standards.

Collaborative success: Work constructively with colleagues, clients and external stakeholders to secure the best achievable result.

These values should be consistently reflected in client care, document handling, communication and representation of the business.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

· File opening and closure accuracy

· Document turnaround times

· Diary and appointment accuracy

· Client response times

· File audit and compliance outcomes

· Contribution to team efficiency

Person Specification

Essential Experience

· Experience in legal, professional services or regulated administrative support.

· Strong document management and organisational skills.

· Experience working in a client-facing environment.

· Excellent IT and Microsoft Office capability.

Technical Knowledge

· Understanding of legal administration, document handling and confidentiality requirements.

· Awareness of compliance, GDPR and professional standards.

Skills & Competencies

· Excellent written and verbal communication

· High attention to detail

· Strong organisational skills

· Ability to manage competing priorities

· Professional discretion and confidentiality

· Collaborative team working

Qualifications

· Business administration, legal administration or equivalent professional experience desirable.

· Additional language skills desirable but not essential.

Desirable background

Candidates from the following environments are particularly well suited:

· Law firms

· Immigration advisory practices

· Legal aid providers

· Professional services firms

· Customer-facing regulated environments

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background.

Application notes

This role is appointed as:

· Legal Administrative Assistant

The role offers progression opportunities into senior administration, paralegal, casework or Immigration Adviser pathways.

Job Type: Permanent

Pay: Up to £26,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• On-site parking

Education:

• A-Level or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

• Legal, professional or regulated administrative support: 2 years (required)
• Strong document management and organisational skills: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person