Linklaters can only achieve its vision and ambition with the support of outstanding colleagues in our business teams.  As an Assistant, your time will be focused on managing administration and internal processes and immersing yourself in the firm’s ways of working and values.  Your colleagues will rely on you to deliver a fantastic service on time.  Because the firm is so dynamic, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to seek new experiences and to develop your skills.

Key responsibilities

Monitor WIP (work in progress), with a focus on the Italian office through the following activities:

• Prepare reporting materials for project review meetings with partners
• Organize monthly meetings with the relevant partners to review the progress of ongoing matters and set timelines for client updates
• Review the allocation of hours on individual matters with more junior team members
• Prepare client update reports tailored to each matter and aligned with the engagement letter or agreements reached by email
• Draft and send client update emails
• Prepare and submit billing instructions to the billing team for the issuance of invoices
• Send invoices to clients

Monitor invoice payments, with a focus on the Italian office through the following activities:

• Agree with the responsible partner the timing and strategy for chasing individual invoices
• Liaise with the e-billing team to identify and resolve any issues arising from e-billing platforms
• Send payment reminders / chase outstanding payments from clients

Provide support in pricing analysis for individual matters through the following activities:

• Support in defining potential project estimates during the proposal phase
• Support in structuring the most appropriate billing proposal at the end of the matter where additional client discounts are requested, with a focus on margin  and recovery

Experience and qualifications

• Degree in Economics or equivalent, or high school diploma in Economics
• Previous experience of two to three years in the legal sector (preferred) or in the consulting sector
• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Proficient in SAP (or equivalent) and particularly Excel (analysis)
• Ability to work effectively in a professional environment
• Proficient level of English (B2–C1)

Characteristics and skills

• Strong business acumen and ability to work with numbers and financial/commercial concepts
• Ability to build credibility and relationships quickly with team members and key stakeholders
• Organised, logical thinker with strong attention to detail

Technical Skills:

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.