Assiel Mafuriranwa
Perth
Summary
Legal professional with extensive experience in the legal sector, providing exceptional administrative support to high-performing teams. Recognised for excellent communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong client-centric approach. Currently employed as a Legal Assistant at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers (HWLE), providing executive legal support. Proven track record of managing case files, and assisting in trial preparation. Highly reliable team player with strong focus on efficiency and adaptability in fast-paced legal environment.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Assistant
HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
06.2024 - Current
- Providing executive administrative and legal support primarily to the Workplace Relations practice
- Assisting in the preparation of court documents and correspondence
- Conduct end of month billing and managing the execution of approximately 40 invoices per lawyer using Aderant software
- Managing trust receipting
- Scheduling meetings and diarising key events and court dates
- Managing client interactions and assisting with legal queries
- File management from inception to completion using iManage, Expert Rates, and Aderant software
- Assist with marketing and event management initiatives
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
- Gathered key information during initial client intake interviews that contributed significantly to the formulation of effective legal arguments.
- Facilitated client meetings and consultations, ensuring all necessary documentation was prepared and available for attorney review.
Legal Secretary
Pragma Lawyers
04.2024 - 06.2024
- Supported the employment department with administrative tasks
- Managed approximately 50 incoming emails and calls per day and acted as the primary client contact while maintaining confidentiality in all communications
- Handled end-of-month billing and time recording using Aderant and ActionStep
- Drafted and formatted legal documents while ensuring compliance with internal policies and relevant regulations
- Utilised legal software such as ActionStep, ASIC, and InfoTrack proficiently
- Facilitated communication between clients and attorneys, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries.
- Gathered key information during initial client intake interviews that contributed significantly to the formulation of effective legal arguments.
Paralegal and Law Clerk
Papa Hughes Lawyers
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Assisted in preparing and editing court documents such as defences and statements of claim under the supervision of a senior associate
- Clients' primary point of contact via phone, email, and in-person interactions
- Supervised and trained junior support staff, fostering a collaborative work environment
- Dictated, transcribed, and amended memoranda documents
- Lodged and collected subpoenaed documents at the District Court
- Scheduled court depositions, hearings, and client meetings
- E-filing court documents (ECourts Portal)
- Diarising key events and court dates
- Arranged client appointments for medical examinations
- Conducted trial preparation and organised solicitor schedules, including travel arrangements and meetings
- Organised files for court proceedings.
- Filed documents with courts on behalf of attorney.
- Streamlined billing process, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing for firm's services.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
Legal Assistant
Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams
09.2021 - 01.2023
- Directly supported partners and general counsel, managing billing and matter management processes
- Conducted legal and title searches using Landgate, Equifax, and Aderant
- Drafted Section 32, Vendor Statement and Cost disclosure documents as required
- Inbox, diary, and calendar management, scheduling meetings appointments, and handling correspondence
- Assisted with end-of-month billing and ensured timely settlements with PEXA
- Organised solicitor schedules, including diary management, travel arrangements and meetings
- Answering client calls, taking, and relaying messages to the lawyers
- Enhanced office productivity by implementing efficient document management systems for easy retrieval and storage.
Office Administrator
Beveridge Williams
11.2019 - 09.2021
- Onboarded new staff and managed communications and scheduling
- Oversaw the company's online presence and prepared newsletters
- Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
- Managed diary and inbox, including scheduling appointments and conferences
- Organised travel arrangements for company managers and directors
- Formatted and updated company-wide resumes to distribute to subcontractors
- Facilitated positive communication between clients, staff, and key stakeholders
- Worked with Synergy, Teams, InDesign editing software, and SharePoint
Corporate Receptionist
Victory Office
09.2017 - 10.2019
- Provided executive administrative support and coordinated office functions
- Streamlined office operations by efficiently managing incoming calls, messages, and mail distribution.
- Welcomed guests and clients, ensuring a positive first impression of the organisation
- Enhanced company image by providing a welcoming and professional reception area for clients and visitors.
- Conducted monthly stocktake and inventory control of stationery and supplies
- Assisted with basic troubleshooting, e.g., printing issues, screens, WIFI, cords, and connecting laptops to projectors and TVs in boardrooms and meeting rooms
- Communicating any IT updates or changes that may affect the office
Education
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice -
Deakin University
Melbourne, VictoriaAdvanced Diploma of Justice -
Deakin University
Melbourne, VictoriaSkills
- Bilingual: Fluent in English, Shona and Ndebele
- Legal Software Proficiency: Aderant, ActionStep, iManage
- Research Skills: Strong legal research capabilities and understanding of legal terminology
- Fast learner
- Writing & Editing: Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Project management
- Time Management: Proven ability to manage competing deadlines and work effectively under pressure
- Technical Skills: Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe)
- Data Management: Effective record management and data entry (80 WPM)
- Technical Skills: Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe)
- Data Management: Effective record management and data entry (80 WPM)
- Technical Skills: Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe)
- Data Management: Effective record management and data entry (80 WPM)
Coursework
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Criminal Law
- Constitutional Law
- Dispute Resolution
- Substantive Law
- Defences and Criminal Liability
- Critical Thinking
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Shona
Native or Bilingual
Ndebele
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Legal Assistant
HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
06.2024 - Current
Legal Secretary
Pragma Lawyers
04.2024 - 06.2024
Paralegal and Law Clerk
Papa Hughes Lawyers
01.2023 - 04.2024
Legal Assistant
Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams
09.2021 - 01.2023
Office Administrator
Beveridge Williams
11.2019 - 09.2021
Corporate Receptionist
Victory Office
09.2017 - 10.2019
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice -
Deakin University
Advanced Diploma of Justice -
Deakin University
Similar Profiles
Trang TheoriTrang Theori
Paralegal at HWL Ebsworth LawyersParalegal at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
Chelsea Amelia CrawfordChelsea Amelia Crawford
Law Clerk (Litigation) at HWL Ebsworth LawyersLaw Clerk (Litigation) at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
Melanie RaynerMelanie Rayner
People & Development Manager at HWL Ebsworth LawyersPeople & Development Manager at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers