Legal Secretary/Client Relationship Manager

Legal Secretary/Client Relationship Manager Start: Early–Mid January 2026Hours: Full time, 9am–5pmWork Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 days in-office, 2 days WFHLocation: St Kilda Road (On-site parking included as part of salary package) About Us Melbourne Law Studio is a boutique, modern family and commercial law firm known for delivering exceptional client service with a personable, solution-focused approach. We operate a high-performance, collaborative practice where initiative, trust, and professionalism are genuinely valued. Our team is supportive, growth-minded, and committed to maintaining excellent legal standards while fostering a warm, client‑centric environment. As we continue to expand, we’re looking for someone who wants to be part of a driven team that takes pride in its work. About the Role We are seeking a skilled Client Relationship Manager/ Legal Secretary with solid Family Law experience and the confidence to take ownership of matters. This is not a standard admin role, you will be involved in client onboarding, matter preparation, disclosure collation, e‑filing, billing support, and day-to‑day matter progression. You will work closely with senior lawyers, the practice manager and be an important point of contact for clients. Key Responsibilities Client & Matter Management Manage the end‑to‑end client onboarding cycle. Initial lead contact and enquiry calls. Booking consultations. Issuing questionnaires and cost agreements. Requesting trust payments. Generating and sending invoices. Maintain confident, professional communication with clients throughout their matter. Legal & Administrative Support Draft, format, and amend legal documents, affidavits, orders, briefing materials, and correspondence. Prepare, index, and compile disclosure, evidence bundles, and eBriefs. Manage e‑filing via the Commonwealth Courts Portal and other platforms. Assist with subpoenas, trial material collation, and court book preparation. Manage solicitor calendars, deadlines, procedural dates, and file progression. Practice & Operational Support Support billing processes, accounts queries, and trust request administration. Use legal practice software (Smokeball preferred) for file management, time recording, and workflows. Handle scanning, printing, dictation typing, email management, and general office organisation. Liaise confidently with barristers, experts, courts, and external stakeholders. About You – The Right Candidate You are a confident and capable legal support professional who thrives in a busy boutique environment and takes genuine ownership of your work. You don’t need micromanagement — you bring initiative, good judgment, and maturity to every task. You are polished, articulate, and comfortable being a key point of contact for clients, including those who may be emotional or stressed. You communicate clearly, maintain boundaries, and support clients with professionalism and empathy. You have strong technical skills, learn systems quickly, and enjoy producing clean, court‑ready documents. You manage competing deadlines calmly, are highly organised, and maintain excellent attention to detail. You understand the importance of billing, accuracy, efficient file management, and proactive communication. You work well in a collaborative team yet operate independently when needed. Above all, you bring reliability, emotional intelligence, and a solutions‑oriented mindset. Highly Regarded Attributes A keen eye for gaps or missing information, and willingness to work collaboratively to resolve them. Strong procedural understanding of family law (hearings, subpoenas, disclosure, timelines). Experience supporting multiple solicitors in a boutique or small‑firm environment. Ability to prepare disclosure, briefs, and court‑ready materials with minimal oversight. Proactive diary, deadline, and file management. Experience with billing, trust accounting processes, and/or matter financials. Calm, confident client communication, especially during sensitive conversations. High technical proficiency and ability to troubleshoot or learn software independently. Pride in producing high‑quality work under pressure. Assertiveness, confidence, and a professional presence. Prior exposure to commercial law or litigation support. 2–3+ years’ experience as a Legal Secretary, Legal Administrator, or Paralegal (Family Law essential). Strong understanding of family law processes, filings, disclosure, and deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Highly organised, deadline‑driven, and able to manage multiple matters simultaneously. Proficient with Microsoft Office and legal practice management systems (Smokeball highly desirable). Experience with e‑filing, e‑briefs, and preparation of court‑ready documents. Confidence in client‑facing communication and emotional maturity. Self‑directed with the ability to anticipate needs. High attention to detail and professional presentation. Additional Information Full‑time, stable role with a growing firm.Hybrid work model (3 days office, 2 WFH).On‑site parking included.Supportive, genuinely collaborative team culture.Exposure to varied family, commercial, and litigation matters.Opportunity for growth as the firm continues to expand. Job Type: Full‑time.Work Location: Hybrid remote in Melbourne VIC 3004. #J-18808-Ljbffr