Careers

Junior Legal Assistant

About Our Firm

Founded in 1981, Zaparas Lawyers has a proud tradition of service as a family business supporting clients in compensable injury.  Our strong Firm 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 in our field.

We have multiple Junior Legal Assistant positions in our Werribee and Oakleigh office. We are looking for committed full time candidates. 

The Opportunity

You will provide crucial administrative support by carrying out a range of secretarial tasks which will assist the functioning of one or more practice groups. You will be responsible for a range of legal support and administration accountabilities as assigned by your supervisors. These include but are not limited to:

•    Opening new files, preparing letters and correspondence, drafting medical legal letters of instruction, compiling briefs and court documents.
•    File management - proactively liaising with the supervising solicitor and relevant parties to advance files.
•    General administration and filing.
•    Monitoring critical dates to ensure deadlines are met.
•    Diary management.
•    Handling general client and stakeholder enquiries via telephone and face to face.

The Successful Applicant​​​​​​​

The Junior Legal Assistant position at Zaparas will be both challenging and rewarding. We are looking for someone who:

•    Is a self-motivated individual who can work efficiently.
•    Has excellent communication skills and the ability to deal sensitively and confidently with clients.
•    Has great attention to detail and is able to complete tasks to a high standard.
•    Is a team player who is willing to share knowledge and help their peers.
•    Relevant qualification in legal administration is desirable.

What's On Offer

You will be working in a close-knit team with supportive and friendly supervising lawyers. Your work will have a positive impact on the lives of our clients. We have a great culture that recognises and rewards our employees. You can continue to grow with a growing firm.


 

Client Service Coordinator 

About Our Firm

Founded in 1981, Zaparas Lawyers has a proud tradition of service as a family business supporting clients in compensable injury.  Our strong Firm 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 in our field. A great opportunity has arisen for a full time Client Service Coordinator to join our Marketing team at the Oakleigh office.

Job tasks and responsibilities

•    Acting as a first point of contact for all new client enquiries and providing exceptional level of client service.
•    Undertake and respond to all new client enquiries including website enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
•    Ensure all new client enquiries have a first call resolution where possible.
•    Conduct relevant client follow up activities which may include mail outs.
•    Support the enhancement of the new client enquiry module in LawMaster.
•    Collect and monitor client referral intelligence across all sites and departments.
•    Ensure the referral channel list is accurate and up to date.
•    Prepare reports as requested by the management.

The Successful Applicant​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​•    At least 2 years’ extensive customer service experience in a professional environment. Knowledge of personal injuries is not essential but would be highly desirable.
•    You are a self-motivated individual who has a ‘can-do’ attitude and can work under pressure in a high paced environment.
•    You have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to service clients in an efficient and friendly manner.
•    You have great attention to details and is able to complete tasks to a high standard.
•    You are proficient in Microsoft office suite. LawMaster experience would be an advantage however training will be given.
 

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.