Senior Secretary
DLA Piper
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Dublin • 🇮🇪 Ireland
Visit company websiteJob Level
Senior
About the role
- Provide high-level administrative and organisational support to Partners and fee earners, acting as a trusted and reliable point of contact
- Serve as a role model within the team by mentoring junior colleagues, sharing knowledge, and promoting best practice
- Undertake practice-group–specific administrative tasks to build specialist expertise (e.g., super-user on key systems, global billing processes, client reporting, knowledge management support)
- Use strong communication and influencing skills to build rapport quickly with stakeholders and support effective working relationships
- Add value by taking a proactive and organised approach to workload, identifying potential issues early and helping to resolve them
- Act as a subject matter expert on billing processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Maintain accurate and timely use of the firm’s finance management systems, including matter opening, updates, closure and archiving; record time for fee earners when required
- Support Billing Coordinators with group billing cycles to ensure smooth and timely invoicing
- Confidently navigate and apply DLA Piper’s document management processes, including effective use of iManage for filing, version control and document retrieval
- Coordinate internal and external client meetings, ensuring all logistics are managed (room bookings, conference facilities, attendee liaison, catering requirements and technical setup)
- Support fee earners with meeting preparation, including drafting agendas, collating papers and circulating materials in a timely and organised manner
- Use the document production team to prepare accurate and high-quality first-draft documents in line with firm standards
- Organise and assist with client events, seminars and hospitality, ensuring smooth execution and attention to detail
- Arrange and manage complex travel itineraries, including visas, flights, accommodation, ground transport and related logistics
- Produce and update financial reports from internal systems, highlighting unbilled time and assisting in maintaining accurate client financial schedules
- Provide support on ad-hoc projects as required, such as preparing bundles, coordinating team events and assisting with departmental initiatives
- Undertake additional secretarial and administrative duties as needed to ensure the smooth running of the practice group
Requirements
- Previous experience as a Senior Secretary
- Previous experience of document management systems
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent diary management
- Strong organisation and prioritisation skills
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Applies knowledge and judgement to solve problems and make decisions
- Experience of delegating to, and training, less experienced team members
- Friendly, personable and approachable
- Adaptable and flexible approach
- Conscientious and diligent
- Remains calm under pressure
- Eager to learn and develop skills
- Adopt a can do attitude
Benefits
- Flexible approach to working practices in order to meet business needs
- Professional development opportunities
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
document management systemsbilling processesfinance management systemsdiary managementfinancial reportingagenda draftingtime recordingevent coordinationtravel managementknowledge management
Soft skills
communication skillsorganisation skillsprioritisation skillsproblem-solvingmentoringapproachabilityadaptabilitydiligencecalm under pressureeagerness to learn