Practice Assistant (Legal Secretary)

Practice Assistant - Environment, Planning & Native Title

• Become a trusted member of a highly respected Environment, Planning & Native Title team
• Take ownership of complex billing, matter coordination and client service responsibilities
• Work closely with partners and lawyers on matters that support major projects, energy transition and climate-related initiatives

This is an exciting opportunity to join a market-leading Environment, Planning & Native Title practice working on some of Australia's most significant energy, climate, environmental and resource sector matters.

You'll be part of a collaborative and supportive team that values initiative, ownership and strong client relationships, while having the opportunity to develop your skills within a dynamic and evolving area of law.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Practice Assistant to join our Environment, Planning & Native Title team in Melbourne, supporting Partners Mark Beaufoy and Emily Heffernan and their teams.

Supporting a large and collaborative practice, you'll play a key role in ensuring matters run smoothly through effective billing, matter coordination, document management and client service. This is a varied, fast-paced position with opportunities to contribute to business development initiatives and undertake work that extends into paralegal-style responsibilities.

We're looking for someone who enjoys taking ownership, building strong relationships and developing a genuine understanding of the practice, clients and broader industry.

Key responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include, but won't be limited to:

• Managing complex billing processes, including WIP management, reporting and client-specific billing requirements
• Preparing, formatting and managing legal documents, correspondence and court materials
• Maintaining document control and supporting matter management across a high volume of active files
• Managing matter administration, including conflicts, file openings/closures and system data integrity
• Monitoring billing deadlines and coordinating the timely review of narrations and invoices
• Preparing document bundles, reports, presentations and other client-facing materials
• Coordinating team meetings, CLEs and CPD administration
• Supporting business development initiatives, client events and relationship-building activities
• Building strong relationships with clients, barristers and colleagues while delivering exceptional service

About You

• A minimum of three years' experience in a legal support role such as Legal Assistant, Practice Assistant, Legal Secretary or Legal Executive
• Demonstrated experience supporting multiple senior stakeholders in a busy legal environment
• Strong knowledge of legal billing processes, with experience using Elite highly regarded
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• The ability to analyse information, exercise sound judgement and solve problems effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build strong working relationships across all levels
• Experience supporting matter management, court administration or document preparation will be highly regarded
• Previous paralegal experience is advantageous but not essential

Who are we?

We are Mallesons. The top-tier independent firm from Australia, a full-service firm trusted on the most complex and consequential matters across our region and around the world. We've been part of Australia's story for almost 200 years and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of these lands and waters.

Our independence gives us the flexibility to combine our extensive top tier full-service capability with the best advisers in every market. With deep expertise, collective judgment and genuine collaboration, we cut through complexity so our clients can move forward with confidence and make more happen.

Why work with us?

We build careers that go everywhere. Mallesons is a special place to work where anything is possible, ambitions are limitless and diversity and inclusion play an important role. It's a place where you will collaborate with exceptional colleagues and clients, where you will sharpen your edge and support others to do the same, where you will make a difference you can be proud of. You will have access to a suite of wellbeing initiatives, benefits, policies and process that will support you to achieve your career goals.

Together we learn. Together we master. Together we lead.

Next Steps

Please click 'Apply Now' to apply online with your cover letter summarising why you're applying and your resume to support your experience.

If you have any questions or need any further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to Sophie Larrett at ••••@mallesons.com

If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must hold all visas and other approvals necessary for you to work for the firm in Australia.

Diversity and Inclusion

Mallesons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse backgrounds. We welcome, value, support and harness the positive benefits that people's different life experiences bring, especially as they relate to gender, sexual identity, culture, faith, disability and life stages.

If you are unsure if you meet all criteria for this role, but have a passion for delivering high quality work, developing your skills and realising your full potential, then we encourage you to apply and have a further conversation about how you could fit at Mallesons.

We have a range of inclusive hiring practices - if you would like to seek workplace adjustments to complete your application please contact the Recruitment contact for this role or email ••••@mallesons.com