Careers

Position Title: Critical Dates Administrator
Reports To: Critical Dates Coordinator
Remuneration: $50-60 plus superannuation
Supervision: A Critical Dates Administrator may be required to delegate work to a legal assistant or scanning clerk


Overview of Organisation

Founded in 1981 Zaparas Lawyers has a proud tradition of service as a family business.  We operate across a range of practice areas specialising in supporting clients in compensable injury.  Our strong company ethos is underscored by believing in a society where all individuals have appropriate redress when they suffer loss.  In support of this ethos we do everything in our power to make the legal process as open, uncomplicated and as non-frightening for our clients as possible. By providing the best advice we achieve just compensation for clients and earn a strong reputation and as well as respect in our field.

Position Brief

Primary Purpose  

Responsible for the management of a wide range of duties relating to WorkCover Common Law proceedings including Serious Injury Applications, Originating Motion proceedings for leave to commence damages proceedings and damages proceedings in the County Court and Supreme Court, recording and updating Critical dates List, and recording lawyer’s KPI.

Accountabilities & Tasks

Secretarial and Administration

•    Having a comprehensive understanding of the practice of WorkCover CommonLaw/Personal Injuries and the procedures including relevant legislation and rules of the County Court and the Supreme Court.
•    Issuing court proceedings and filing court documents as instructed by the lawyers.
•    Recording and updating Critical dates List and sending calendar invitations to the legal teams to ensure such dates are not overlooked.
•    Recording and updating a firmwide Hearing List.
•    Co-ordinating lawyers and trainee lawyers to attend Mentions/Directions Hearings.
•    Assisting lawyers and law clerks in following up on crucial matters such as Statutory Offers, Statutory Counter-Offers and any other matters where the assistance is required.
•    Recording lawyers’ KPI.
•    Setting priorities and working under pressure, planning several events simultaneously.

Client services

•    Having sound communication skills and the ability to work with internal and external participants. 
•    Assisting with lawyers’ requests and following up matters with defendant solicitors or courts.

General duties

•    Following directions and instructions requested by senior staff.
•    Ensuring work is completed to high standard.
•    Performing other duties consistent with skills, knowledge and abilities expected. 

Performance Expectations 

•    Punctuality and reliability
•    Able to complete duties in a fastidious and conscientious manner.
•    Quality and quantity of tasks such as prepare court documents thoroughly and diarise on Critical Dates List accurately.
•    Demonstrates appropriate levels of initiative, problem solving and high organisation skills to complete responsibilities with appropriate level of autonomy. 
•    Follows directions and instructions given by senior staff in a receptive manner.
•    Flexibility and willingness to take on new challenges.
•    Professional presentation and grooming which supports the reputation of the firm with members of the public/clients.

Key Relationships and Stakeholders  

Internal
•    Supervisor, legal staff, administration staff.

External 
•    Courts, Worksafe, insurer agencies, staff from other law firms. 

Person Specification (All essential criteria for appointment unless stated)

Qualifications
•    Certificate/Diploma in Legal Administration is preferred

Specific Knowledge & Experience
•    Sound legal knowledge
•    Sound communication and interpersonal skills
•    General administrative/secretarial experience

General Abilities & Attributes

Organisational skills
•    Proven self-starter ability, operate diligently without direct supervision
•    Proven ability to work in a high paced environment. 

Client Liaison & Interpersonal Skills
•    Proven ability to convey information politely and interact effectively with a range of stakeholders including professionals, colleagues and clients.

Attention to detail
•    Demonstrated ability in producing quality documents and maintain records which are complete, concise, and error free.

IT & Computer skills
•    Proficient to an intermediate or higher level in the use of all applications within Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and an aptitude to use databases. Ability to use scanners, printers and other computing equipment.

Time Management skills
•    Exceptional personal time management, prioritising tasks, and produce quality work when working on multiple cases.
•    Ability to proactively monitor Critical Dates List and seek out information to make the list complete and up-to-date.

Personal Growth
•    Possess an interest in the legal profession and a willingness to learn.