Job Description

Responsibility:

To ensure the smooth running of the administration of the Criminal Department whilst working as part of a team.

Duties:

• To take initial telephone calls from clients.
• To keep appointment diaries and note forward diaries for all fee earners in the Department.
• To produce computer print-outs of Fee Earners’ diaries both on a daily basis for switchboard and reception.
• To enter all court hearings into the Court Diary and the diary of the individual Fee Earners concerned as required.
• To ensure the “Dates to be Avoided List” and the “Person In Custody” record are kept up to date on a daily basis.
• To take full and detailed messages for fee earners when they are not available.
• To obtain up to date instructions from clients by telephone as directed by fee earners.
• To deal with clients and others visiting the office as maybe appropriate, including taking messages and arranging appointments.
• To ensure adequate supplies are maintained of all relevant forms used by the Criminal Department both in the office and at Police Stations.
• To control the use of mobile phones and pagers within the Department ensuring the mobile phones are charged and ready for use.
• To ensure that equipment faults or breakdowns are properly notified to the Practice Manager or their substitute for the time being.
• To ensure compliance with all office procedures as laid down in the Office Manual including any variations or amendments.
• To work as part of a Team which is under pressure to deal with a large caseload providing essential assistance.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities