Work With Us
Current Vacancies:
Job Title: Legal Secretary
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, UK
Salary: Negotiable
Hours: Full-time or Part-time (3-4 days per week, flexible)
Contract Type: Permanent
Employer: Bates Wells and Braithwaite Solicitors, Ipswich
About us:
We are a well-established law firm in Ipswich, specialising in Private Client, Family Law, Conveyancing, Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, and Dispute Resolution. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to our clients, and we pride ourselves on our supportive and professional work environment.
The role:
We are seeking a Legal Secretary to work with our Private Client and PI Teams. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal secretary to support our busy teams in delivering high-quality legal services.
Key responsibilities:
Providing administrative support to fee-earners, including audio-typing, document preparation, and file management
Handling client correspondence, including emails, letters, and phone calls
Managing diaries, scheduling appointments, and arranging meetings
Maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with confidentiality and data protection regulations
Liaising with clients, courts, and other professional bodies as required
Requirements:
Previous secretarial experience or in a similar administrative role, ideally within a law firm
Strong typing skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Excellent organisational and communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures (preferred but not essential)
Attention to detail and professional demeanour
What we offer:
Competitive salary and generous holiday provision
Flexible working hours (full-time or part-time options available)
Supportive and friendly team environment
Opportunities for professional development and career progression
Convenient Ipswich office location with excellent transport links
How to apply:
Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role to marie.williams@bates-wells.co.uk.
Closing date: 4th July 2025
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Qualified Lawyer – Property (Ipswich)
We have an opportunity for an ambitious qualified lawyer in our property team. We are a niche and busy firm with an expanding client base with a long and steady reputation for providing a stellar service to our clients. We welcome applications from those wishing to advance their career and with progression prospects for the future and with 2 – 5 years pqe.
The role
- Managing a busy caseload of residential property matters, including freehold/leasehold sales and purchases, Shared Ownership, Re-mortgages, and New Build developments.
- Handling cases from initial instruction through to completion, ensuring the highest standards of service throughout.
- Providing estimates and taking instructions
- Drafting and approving legal documentation, including contracts and transfer deeds
- Working as part of a collaborative team
About you
- Minimum 2 years Residential Conveyancing fee earning experience, essential.
- Proven track record of meeting fee targets and deadlines.
- Strong legal knowledge and understanding of the conveyancing process.
- Excellent communication and client care skills.
- Happy to attend networking and business development events
Benefits
- Salary negotiable for the right candidate
- Pension
- 5 weeks holiday
- Hybrid working after qualifying period
Apply with letter and CV to marie.williams@bates-wells.co.uk
Note
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals.
We are always looking for energetic, ambitious, team players at every level of experience. Whether a fee earner, paralegal, secretary, or young person with drive and enthusiasm, willing to learn and succeed, we would love to hear from you.
Please send a CV and covering letter to marie.williams@bates-wells.co.uk