Mercy Law Resource Centre (MLRC) is recruiting a Legal Secretary/Receptionist. MLRC is an independent law centre and charity which provides free legal advice and representation to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the areas of public housing and social welfare law.

MLRC also seeks to advocate change in laws, policies and attitudes which are unduly harsh and adversely impact its client group. For more details on MLRC, please see www.mercylaw.ie.

This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant, dynamic independent law centre committed to the principles of human rights, social justice and equality.

The Legal Secretary will be an integral part of the MLRC team, reporting to the Managing Solicitor. The role will suit someone who is proactive and organised, with strong interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to work with compassion, empathy and respect for our clients and service users. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Office and Administrative Management

- Open and close the office daily

- Manage incoming phone calls, log queries, and make follow-up calls as needed

- Collaborate with the Legal Executive to ensure that new incoming requests for assistance are managed appropriately and timely

- Schedule and coordinate legal clinic appointments (in-person and remote)

- Maintain office supplies and liaise with service providers

- Book meeting rooms and arrange hospitality for meetings

- Monitor the general inbox and redirect emails appropriately

- Post and log outgoing and incoming correspondence

Legal and Case Support 

- Open, close, and archive legal files in accordance with data protection legislation

- Maintain accurate client and advice databases

- Compile statistical reports on helpline queries, legal advice sessions, and other service data

- Provide administrative support for legal casework as needed

- Take minutes at internal and occasional external meetings

- Assist with other administrative tasks as required

- Provide onboarding training and support for new staff, interns, and volunteers

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

- Relevant third-level qualification and/or legal secretarial certification

- Strong administrative and organisational skills

- Proven experience in office management

- Excellent IT skills, particularly in MS Office and case management systems

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to work with compassion, empathy and respect for clients and service users

- Experience developing and implementing systems and procedures

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable 

- Experience in the community/voluntary or human rights/social justice sectors

- Experience in relevant IT functions, e.g., CRM systems.

For full details of the role and how to apply, please visit this link

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 25 September 2026.

HOW TO APPLY:

A curriculum vitae. The CV must be no more than three pages in length and use font size no smaller than 11.

A cover letter. The letter must be no more than two pages in length and use font size no smaller than 11.  

Please describe why you are interested in the position and summarise your relevant experience and suitability for the post.

Only applications received through events@mercylaw.ie will be considered. All applications must be submitted with the email subject line “Legal Secretary”.

Any specific queries should be directed to the Managing Solicitor, Paul Dornan at paul@mercylaw.ie.