Phi Finney McDonald is a litigation law firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and London. We specialise in complex and large-scale litigation, with a focus on shareholder class actions. The firm has a strong commitment to social justice and is looking for people who want to make the world a better place.

Our values are reflected in the excellent remuneration and advantages on offer, and our belief in flexible working arrangements. We value diversity and are eager to receive applications from candidates with different backgrounds.

As a Legal Assistant you will ensure the efficient running of matters and be part of an efficient and collaborative team. Tasks will include:

- Provide administrative support to lawyers

- File and document management including matter opening and electronic filing

- General matter administration including scanning, printing, photocopying and archiving

- Coordinating appointments, including all correspondence and logistics

- Assist with monthly billing including reviewing and amending narratives

- Prepare and format legal documents

- Management of legal documentation and correspondence in strict confidence

- Preparation of electronic and paper briefs

- Electronically filling documents through Court portals

- Correspond with counsel, Courts and clients

- Implement and improve administrative processes for a more efficient workflow

- Respond to file management queries including iManage and iTimekeep queries

- Identify and provide training for junior lawyers

To be successful in this role, you will be highly organised, detail-oriented and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.



You will enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team while also being confident working independently, taking initiative and responding positively to direction.

You will also be technically proficient and confident using a wide range of technology and software systems. As technology plays an important role in our day-to-day operations, you will be comfortable learning and adapting to new systems, troubleshooting where required and using technology to work efficiently and effectively.

Ideally, you will have 2-3 years’ experience as a Legal Assistant, along with an understanding of legal procedures, protocols and the Australian court system. Experience in litigation or class actions will be highly regarded, but is not essential.

You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, a strong command of English grammar and language, and the ability to build positive and professional relationships with colleagues and clients.

This position is specifically designed for candidates seeking to build a long-term career as a Legal Assistant. Accordingly, this role is not suitable for current law students, recent law graduates or candidates seeking legal experience towards a career as a practising lawyer.



We encourage these candidates to pursue opportunities that are more closely aligned with their long-term legal career goals.

Culture

We believe that most people aren’t perfect at everything, but that we can all be great at something. We recruit based on work ethic, individual potential and cultural fit.

We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and aim to develop individually and as a team. We build dynamic, diverse and balanced teams with the right mix of skills and experience to deliver the result while keeping costs down.

We give responsibility to all staff members and support them as they learn through experience. And as they develop, we encourage our staff to engage with their work and to reflect on how lessons learnt can be applied in different and emerging areas.

We have a firm commitment to flexible working arrangements, particularly those with parental or carer responsibilities and those seeking to transition back to full-time work.

Benefits

Your contribution to the firm will be recognised with excellent remuneration, training and development opportunities, and a range of incentives, such as:

- Flexible work arrangements (hybrid)

- Work life balance and wellbeing initiatives and support

- Access to quality leadership and coaching
- An innovative environment where your ideas will be heard and supported

- Up to 8 days of paid additional leave for Christmas / New Year shut down

- Firm bonus scheme

- Regular social events including quarterly firm lunches
- A fun work environment

How to apply

If this looks like the job for you, please apply now by submitting your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability.

📌 Legal Assistant (Melbourne)
🏢 Phi Finney McDonald
📍 Melbourne