Legal Receptionist Jobs

If you have a professional, friendly manner and enjoy being the first point of contact for clients, a Legal Receptionist job could be the ideal career path for you. At Stafffinders, we work with law firms, legal practices, and corporate offices across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and throughout Scotland to recruit skilled reception and front-of-house professionals for permanent, temporary, and contract roles.

Legal Receptionists play a vital part in creating a welcoming and efficient first impression for clients and visitors. This role suits individuals who are well-organised, approachable, and confident in dealing with the public, whether it’s greeting clients, managing appointments, or handling day-to-day administrative tasks.

What Does a Legal Receptionist Do?

Working as a Legal Receptionist, you’ll ensure that clients, visitors, and colleagues are supported from the moment they enter the office. You’ll handle a variety of administrative duties that keep the reception area running smoothly while representing the firm with professionalism and warmth. Typical responsibilities include:

• Greeting clients, visitors, and VIPs in a professional and friendly manner.

• Managing a busy switchboard, answering calls, and taking messages accurately.

• Scheduling and coordinating appointments, meetings, and conference rooms.

• Maintaining a tidy and welcoming reception area.

• Handling post, email correspondence, and courier deliveries.

• Managing visitor records and issuing security passes where required.

• Performing basic administrative and clerical duties, such as filing and data entry.

• Assisting with cash handling or small account tasks, depending on the size of the firm.

In smaller legal firms, Legal Receptionists may also assist with secretarial work, document preparation, or client account management, giving them a varied and dynamic role within the business.

Skills and Qualities for Legal Receptionist Jobs

To excel as a Legal Receptionist, you’ll need excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment. A professional and positive attitude is key to success in this role, as you’ll often be the face and voice of the firm.

Key skills and attributes include:

• Friendly, professional, and confident manner when dealing with clients.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.

• Good computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Office.

• A professional appearance and welcoming personality.

• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong sense of responsibility.

• The ability to handle sensitive or confidential information discreetly.

How to Become a Legal Receptionist

There are no formal qualifications required to begin a career as a Legal Receptionist, making it an excellent entry-level opportunity within the legal sector. However, employers often prefer candidates with GCSEs (A–C) in English and Maths, and some experience in administration or customer service.

Employers usually provide on-the-job training, where new recruits learn reception procedures, client management, and the firm’s internal systems. Additional qualifications can help enhance your career prospects, such as:

• NVQs/SVQs in Business Administration, Customer Service, or Reception Skills.

• Short courses in typing, IT, or office management.

• Specialist legal administration training for those looking to progress into Legal Secretary or Paralegal roles.

With experience, Legal Receptionists can advance to Senior Receptionist, Office Coordinator, or Legal Secretary positions, or even move into other professional sectors such as corporate administration, hospitality, or public services.