Day in the Life series: Legal Assistant

“I’m just a legal assistant.”

It’s a phrase I think a lot of people in administrative roles have said (or at least thought) at some point, and it’s definitely something I caught myself thinking when I first started at Brave Legal about eight months ago.

Stepping into the role of legal assistant within the medical negligence team was a shift to a new area for me. But working with our Principal Lawyer, Bree Knoester, and the team has shown me that there’s really no such thing as “just” a legal assistant. Behind every matter is a huge amount of organisation, communication and attention to detail – and legal assistants are a key part to keeping everything moving.

No two days are the same

One of the things I’ve quickly learnt is that no two days are ever exactly alike.

Some days are heavily administrative, focused on keeping files organised and ensuring nothing is missed. Other days are more fast-paced, juggling competing priorities, urgent tasks and deadlines. And then there are days where a big part of my time is spent communicating, whether that’s with clients, experts, other legal professionals or within our team.

That variety is what makes the role so engaging. It’s busy, yes, but in a way that keeps you constantly learning and adapting.

What a typical day involves

Most mornings start with a coffee in hand and checking emails and seeing what’s come in overnight. From there, it’s about prioritising and working out what needs immediate attention and what can be scheduled for later in the day.

A big part of my role is supporting Bree and the progression of matters from behind the scenes. That involves drafting correspondence, preparing briefs to counsel and letters of instruction to medical experts, assisting with documents such as Writs and Statements of Claim, requesting and following up on medical records, managing Bree’s busy diary, scheduling client appointments, and liaising with medical experts and other parties.

I also assist in taking prospective client calls, which I approach with a strong focus on being trauma-informed. Many of the people who contact us are going through incredibly difficult circumstances, so it’s important to create a space where they feel heard, supported and comfortable sharing their experiences. Even in those initial interactions, you can see how important clear and compassionate communication is.

Throughout the day, I’m also helping to ensure our clients are kept up to date, whether that’s through emails or phone calls. While I may not be running matters myself, I play a role in making sure communication flows smoothly and that nothing falls through the cracks.

A lot of the work is detail-oriented, but it all feeds into a bigger picture, keeping matters moving forward and supporting the team to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Being part of the bigger picture

Working in medical negligence within a personal injury firm means the work we do has a real impact on people’s lives.

At Brave Legal, our focus is on restoring life after injury, and while the lawyers are leading the legal strategy, there’s a whole layer of support behind the scenes that helps make that possible.

As a legal assistant, I contribute to that process in a practical way, for example ensuring key documents are obtained, deadlines are met, and communication is clear and consistent. It’s a role that requires you to be organised, proactive and adaptable, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that your work is part of something meaningful.

The learning curve

Starting in a new area of practice definitely came with its challenges.

Medical negligence is complex, and there’s a lot to learn, not just legally, but also in understanding medical terminology, processes and the types of evidence involved. Coming from a different professional background, there was a steep learning curve in those early months.

That said, one of the things that made a huge difference was the support from the team. From day one, I’ve been surrounded by people who are generous with their time and knowledge, and who genuinely want to see you succeed. Having that kind of environment makes it much easier to ask questions, build confidence and develop your skills.

Even now, I’m constantly learning, which is something I really value in my role. And, as the old adage goes, there really are no stupid questions, and that’s definitely something I’ve found to be true within this team.

Busy days, and how I manage them

There’s no doubt that the days can be busy, and at times, the work can be challenging, especially given the nature of the matters we deal with.

Good organisation is key. Staying on top of tasks, managing competing priorities and communicating clearly with the team all play a big part in keeping things running smoothly.

The trauma-informed approach I mentioned earlier also carries through into the work more broadly. Being mindful of the experiences our clients have been through helps shape how we communicate and approach our work, while also ensuring we’re respectful and empathetic in everything we do.

At the same time, the fast-paced nature of the role is also what makes it exciting. There’s a real sense of momentum, and that you’re constantly contributing to progress.

What I enjoy about the role

For me, one of the most rewarding parts of the role is the combination of structure and purpose.

On one hand, there’s the organisation, the systems and the detail that keep everything functioning. On the other, there’s the knowledge that all of that work contributes to something much bigger, which is supporting clients through what is often one of the most challenging periods in their lives.

I’ve also really enjoyed being part of such a supportive team. Coming into a new area could have been daunting, but having that support has made all the difference, both professionally and personally.

Final thoughts

Working as a legal assistant has shown me that the role is far more than what people might assume from the outside.

It’s not just administrative work, it’s about being part of a team, supporting the progression of matters, and contributing to outcomes that genuinely matter.

So, while “I’m just a legal assistant” might be a common phrase, it’s definitely not one I would use anymore.