Margaret Liristis
PADSTOW HEIGHTS
Summary
Results-driven Legal Secretary and Personal Assistant with extensive experience supporting senior executives and legal teams across demanding legal environments. Offers advanced administrative expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage confidential information with integrity. Highly efficient in coordinating schedules, preparing legal documentation, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Personal Assistant
David Stanton
Sydney, NSW
03.2025 - 12.2025
- Provided comprehensive administrative and executive support to a busy Barrister specialising in personal injury matters, ensuring the efficient daily operation of chambers.
- Managed complex diaries, coordinated court appearances, mediations, conferences, and appointments while ensuring strict adherence to court deadlines and schedules.
- Prepared, formatted, and proofread legal documents, briefs, correspondence, and detailed case chronologies with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Acted as a key liaison between solicitors, clients, courts, and other legal professionals, facilitating clear and timely communication.
- Oversaw billing and financial administration, including drafting invoices, monitoring outstanding payments, and reconciling accounts using Xero to ensure financial accuracy and compliance.
- Maintained confidential legal files, records, and documentation in accordance with professional and legal standards.
- Supported case preparation by organising briefs, court materials, and supporting documentation ahead of hearings and conferences.
- Assisted in coordinating workflows and administrative processes to ensure matters progressed efficiently and deadlines were consistently met.
- Provided general administrative support including email and correspondence management, document filing, and office coordination.
Legal Secretary
Hugo Law Group
Sydney, NSW
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Assisted legal teams in meeting deadlines and managing matters within budget constraints.
- Organised and maintained legal files to support efficient matter management and timely access to documentation.
- Ensured proper organisation and closure of legal files in compliance with firm procedures and deadlines.
- Drafted and finalised professional client correspondence, including initial letters and cost disclosure statements.
- Maintained accurate file and matter records through data entry and updates in Actionstep and iManage.
- Monitored key dates, deadlines, and court requirements to support timely case progression.
- Assisted with online lodgement of acting notices and coordinated site visits, conferences, and appointments.
- Liaised with clients, agents, experts, and barristers to coordinate appointments and facilitate communication.
- Managed financial administration, including retainer collection, invoicing, payment processing, and matter finalisation.
- Assisted with preparation and submission of Legal Aid applications and extension requests.
- Uploaded and organised evidence briefs, transcripts, and coordinated interpreter services as required.
- Maintained file integrity through accurate scanning, filing, and document management processes.
- Managed incoming client enquiries and calls, providing professional and timely assistance.
- Facilitated communication between clients and legal teams to support effective service delivery.
- Assisted with document requests and administrative processes to support efficient client onboarding.
Legal Secretary
McCabes
Sydney, NSW
08.2021 - 07.2023
- Directed legal document preparation and management processes to optimize attorneys' casework efficiency.
- Streamlined filing and organization of legal documents to enhance case management efficiency.
- Oversaw preparation, creation, and printing of legal documents for attorney review.
- Oversaw and prioritized multiple tasks to guarantee adherence to strict firm deadlines.
- Oversaw organization and tracking of court orders and associated deadlines to ensure adherence to legal timelines.
- Directed account update and maintenance operations, ensuring adherence to industry standards.
- Facilitated collaboration with legal counsel by preparing and distributing briefs and essential documentation.
- Oversaw opening and closing of matters, ensuring adherence to firm procedures.
- Optimized invoice processing and integrated data into relevant systems to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Managed recording and verification of principal's time entries to enhance matter tracking accuracy.
- Oversaw monthly billing operations, utilizing advanced billing expertise to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
- Assisted teams in utilizing software tools effectively. Supported colleagues in troubleshooting technical issues. Guided new employees through software training sessions.
- Optimized compilation and organization of PDF documents to improve accessibility.
- Directed compliance initiatives by meticulously monitoring adherence to established protocols and guidelines.
- Assisted teams in collecting information through inquiries. Supported data analysis to recognize trends. Collaborated with colleagues to define project requirements.
- Refined billing processes to enhance invoicing accuracy and maximize revenue capture.
- Oversaw management processes to enhance operational efficiency.
Legal Secretary
Hall and Wilcox
SYDNEY NSW
08.2021 - 07.2023
- Supported legal teams in meeting deadlines and budget requirements through effective administrative coordination.
- Drafted, formatted, and proofread legal documents, correspondence, and court forms with a high level of accuracy.
- Managed incoming and outgoing correspondence, including emails, telephone enquiries, and legal communications.
- Maintained and organised legal files, case records, and documentation to ensure efficient access and compliance.
- Managed complex diaries, coordinating meetings, court appearances, and appointments.
- Prepared and filed legal documents with courts and relevant authorities in accordance with procedural requirements.
- Liaised with clients, barristers, courts, and external stakeholders to facilitate efficient matter progression.
- Maintained and updated case management systems, including Actionstep and iManage, ensuring accurate records.
- Monitored deadlines and compliance requirements to support risk management and procedural accuracy.
- Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills across professional legal environments.
- Applied strong organisational and time-management skills to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Maintained strict confidentiality and exercised discretion when handling sensitive information.
- Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal practice management systems.
Legal Secretary
James Tuite and Associates
SYDNEY NSW
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Assisted solicitors with the preparation, formatting, and filing of legal documents in accordance with court and firm requirements.
- Supported case management through the organisation and maintenance of legal files, schedules, and documentation.
- Managed complex diaries, coordinating court dates, appointments, and critical deadlines.
- Opened and closed legal matters in compliance with firm policies and administrative procedures.
- Managed incoming calls and client enquiries, providing professional and timely assistance.
- Liaised with clients, legal teams, barristers, courts, and external stakeholders to support efficient matter progression.
- Maintained accurate and well-organised case files and records to ensure accessibility and compliance.
- Prepared, collated, and amended legal documents and correspondence with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Monitored deadlines and prioritised tasks to ensure the timely progression of legal matters.
- Utilised legal practice management and document management systems to maintain accurate records.
- Demonstrated excellent organisational, communication, and time management skills within a fast-paced legal environment.
- Maintained strict confidentiality and exercised discretion when handling sensitive legal information.
Skills
- Assisted in maintaining professional phone interactions to enhance customer satisfaction Supported team members in developing effective communication strategies for phone conversations Facilitated training sessions on phone etiquette to improve overall service quality
- Assisted in processing billing and invoicing tasks to support financial operations Collaborated with team members to ensure timely delivery of invoices Provided support in maintaining accurate billing records
Reference
Available upon request
Timeline
Personal Assistant
David Stanton
03.2025 - 12.2025
Legal Secretary
Hugo Law Group
08.2024 - 03.2025
Legal Secretary
McCabes
08.2021 - 07.2023
Legal Secretary
Hall and Wilcox
08.2021 - 07.2023
Legal Secretary
James Tuite and Associates
07.2019 - 06.2021