Legal Assistant

Overview of HBA

Crawford Legal Services (operating as HBA Legal) is a team of award-winning solicitors offering a highly competitive suite of legal and technical claims services to meet the needs of today’s insurance marketplace. We have offices across the country in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Newcastle. Whether as a stand-alone service provider or synchronising with other parts of the Crawford & Company network, we offer something very different when compared to traditional law firms. Our integrated model means clients’ challenges are tackled by our end-to-end approach across claims, adjusting and legal. While recently becoming part of the global Crawford business, we are continuing to operate as a stand-alone firm and trusted advisor to underwriters, brokers, insurers, insureds, corporates and governments across Australia. We lead the way in these markets when it comes to creative problem solving and commercially oriented solutions. We pride ourselves on alternative solutions to legal challenges and exceptional outcomes for clients aligned with their business goals.

The Role

The role of our Legal Assistants is to provide essential administration support to their supervising Partners and their wider team. You will play an important role in ensuring the team functions efficiently and effectively and will work closely with the other Secretaries across Australia to share knowledge and best practice.

This is a fantastic permanent full time opportunity based in our Perth office, and is well suited for an experienced Legal Assistant with insurance industry experience to join a supportive and well-respected team and law firm. If you're a driven and motivated individual, looking for a fast paced and supportive work environment, consider advancing your career at HBA!

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Preparing and drafting client and matter specific forms, documents and presentations
• Drafting and amending relevant correspondence and legal documents including court forms and noticesbookings and database management
• Corresponding and liaising with clients, Counsel and medical staff
• Compiling briefs to Counsel/expert medical witnesses
• Diary management, coordinating meetings with clients, IME appointments
• Monitoring partner emails, redirecting or drafting responses to reduce volume
• File maintenance, including opening matter and related processes, closing, filing and archiving files and ensuring filing systems are maintained and current
• Preparing draft bills for review; amending, finalising and sending bills to clients
• Liaising directly with clients in relation to third party invoicing and billing queries
• Drafting, preparing, finalising and sending out of monthly client reports
• Corresponding and liaising with clients, court staff, Counsel and expert witnesses
• Organising travel (flights, transport, accommodation) for both internal stakeholders and on behalf of client's for matter related travel
• Liaising with the Events and Operations teams regarding internal and external client events; organising bookings, invitations, resources and catering
• Receiving and screening of phone calls, attending to and responding to enquiries
• Preparing operational reports and schedules
• Coordinate and assist with inter-office meetings, lateral hire interviews and teleconference

Key Capabilities

To be successful in this role, you must be able to:

• Develop an effective network across the firm; understands and manages both internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Contribute well to the team and work collaboratively and effectively across the firm
• Demonstrate effective time management and work organisation; engage in conversations with their colleagues to challenge priorities and agree a way forward effectively.
• Provide colleagues with information, data and advice to help them exercise sound judgement for the benefit of HBA
• Anticipate the implications and consequences of situations and take appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies.
• Identify alternative solutions to a problem and to select the best option

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Experience in a similar legal secretary role
• Experience with legal proceedings and case management
• Ability to work autonomously
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong time management and organisational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skill
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel

Desirable:

• Experience with systems including Affinity or Actionstep
• Experience within the insurance Sector
• CTP / TIBCO knowledge advantageous

Why HBA?

We strive to create an environment where people can and do perform at their very best. They understand what we are creating, and they want to be a part of it, because they understand the difference that we make to our client’s lives. And where we succeed, we share the rewards and recognise people in ways that celebrate our achievements.

HBA is all about doing things differently. We challenge the stereotypes associated with traditional law firms in terms of our structure, management style and way of life. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of everything we do.

Benefits & Perks?

• Flexible and family friendly environment
• Complimentary in office or pharmacy flu vaccinations every year
• Employee discounts on thousands of retailers via Rewards @ Crawford. Save on all things electronics, fitness, health, accessories and more!
• Interested in furthering your career by undertaking professional qualifications? Apply to have your fees covered by HBA.
• Fun nights out, team bonding events, and biannual parties (EOFY & Christmas) with the celebration of moments that matter throughout the year through our Culture Committee!
• Our Mental Health Offering: Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 complimentary confidential counselling, nutrition, legal, and financial advice. Corporate headspace membership.

Next steps

If you’re interested in a career with HBA, then please apply to this vacancy via Seek or reach out to us directly at ***********@hbacrawford.com.au

Please know that as much as we would like to, we can’t always get back to everyone. At this stage, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We encourage people of all genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for this role.

Please note: in order to comply with our regulatory obligations, all successful candidates must consent to HBA Legal conducting background checks (Police, Sanctions and ASIC).