Legal Assistant – Occupational Disease Department

Department: Occupational Disease

Reporting to: Department Manager/Supervising Solicitor

Location: Princes House, 635 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds LS8 4BA

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm
Salary: TBC

Job Description:

Oakwood Solicitors is committed to creating new career opportunities for military veterans and those transitioning from the Armed Forces into civilian employment.

We are seeking a highly organised and motivated Legal Assistant to join our growing Industrial Disease and Military Claims Department.

As a proud Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award recipient, supporting the Armed Forces community is a top priority of ours. We employ veterans, work closely with military organisations across the UK, and welcome veterans looking to transfer their skills into a rewarding legal career.

The successful candidate will provide administrative and legal support to solicitors and fee earners, helping to progress occupational disease claims efficiently and ensuring clients receive a professional and supportive service.

The role would suit someone with strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and an interest in developing a career within legal services.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day administrative and legal support to solicitors and fee earners.
• Assist with the management and progression of occupational disease claims.
• Open and maintain electronic and paper client files in accordance with firm procedures.
• Communicate professionally with clients, solicitors, insurers, medical experts and other relevant parties.
• Take telephone calls, respond to emails and deal with correspondence promptly.
• Prepare letters, documents, forms and other legal correspondence.
• Request and obtain medical records, employment records and other relevant documentation.
• Assist with arranging medical appointments and liaising with medical experts.
• Chase outstanding documentation, reports and information to ensure matters progress within appropriate timescales.
• Assist with preparing claim documentation and evidence.
• Maintain accurate case management records and update the firm’s systems.
• Monitor key dates, deadlines and outstanding actions.
• Assist fee earners with general case administration and preparation.
• Ensure all work is completed accurately and in accordance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain client confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Provide a high standard of client care at all times.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties required by the department.

Key Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Previous experience in an administrative, legal or customer-service role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Confident telephone manner and professional approach to clients.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook and case management systems.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.

Desired Skills:

• Previous experience working within a law firm.
• Experience within personal injury, industrial disease or occupational disease claims.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and the litigation process.
• Experience using a legal case management system.
• Relevant legal administration qualification or legal studies.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Professional and approachable.
• Reliable and well organised.
• Proactive, with the ability to identify and follow up outstanding tasks.
• Calm and professional when dealing with clients and challenging situations.
• A strong team player.
• Willing to learn and develop their legal knowledge.
• Committed to providing excellent client service.
• Able to work accurately while managing a varied workload.

What We Offer

• Monday to Friday working hours, 9:00am–5:00pm.
• A supportive and professional working environment.
• Training and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to develop a career within occupational disease and litigation.
• Exposure to a varied caseload and experience working alongside experienced legal professionals.
• pension, annual leave, bonus scheme, EAP

How to apply

attach a CV and cover letter, or email your application directly to recruitment@oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk.