Personal Assistant

The role:

We are looking for an Adaptive Personal Assistant to join our Adaptive department in Bristol.

As a Personal Assistant / Team Co‑ordinator, you will play a key role in supporting the Partner, Global Head of Adaptive, and the wider team in the continued growth and development of our highly successful Adaptive business.

In this role, you will provide high‑quality PA and administrative support, including complex diary and inbox management, organising meetings and travel, preparing documents and presentations, and coordinating team activities. You will also act as a central point of contact for internal stakeholders and external clients, ensuring effective communication, efficient coordination of tasks and the smooth running of day‑to‑day operations.

You’ll be employed by Simmons & Simmons Solutions Limited and will work with teams, partners, and clients across our legal services network.

What will you do:

As a pivotal member of the global Adaptive team, you will play a crucial role in the success of Adaptive. Your duties will encompass a variety of tasks, ensuring a seamless experience for both consultants and clients. Here’s what you’ll be doing:

Administration and PA support

• Provide high‑level PA support to the Partner, Global Head of Adaptive, including complex diary management, extensive international travel, meeting arrangements and expenses.

• Proactively manage the Partner’s diary, anticipating needs, prioritising commitments, resolving clashes and ensuring effective use of time.

• Arrange and book travel for the team

• Schedule client interviews and assignment‑related calls, liaising confidently with senior clients and their PAs and ensuring a smooth, professional process.

• Extract and prepare reports from the Hub for internal meetings and client reviews.

• Open new client matters and manage new client onboarding processes in line with firm procedures.

• Maintain reporting on consultants (current and prior assignments, utilisation and other metrics) to support effective team management.

• Provide Hub technical support for the team and consultants and ensure data integrity.

• Coordinate Adaptive Connect events and other consultant/client engagement activities, including logistics, invitations and follow‑up.

• Manage the Adaptive inbox, ensuring prompt, professional responses and effective triage of queries.

Client and data management support

• Act as a reliable point of contact for clients on administrative and scheduling matters, ensuring queries are handled promptly and professionally.

• Maintain accurate Adaptive information on the Hub to support resourcing and client service.

• Support resourcing team with managing consultant profiles and talent pools on the Adaptive Hub, ensuring information is complete, current and easy to use.

• Support Operations team as required with Workday (HR system) processes for onboarding consultants, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.

• Keep all spreadsheets and tracking tools up to date, including consultant data, assignments and pipeline information.

Consultant support

• Act as a key point of contact for consultants, responding to queries and ensuring they feel supported and valued.

• Prioritise swift, clear responses to emails and queries, building confidence and trust in the service.

• Provide a professional, welcoming and approachable presence.

• Adapt communication style to different individuals and cultures to ensure effective, collaborative interactions.

What we are looking for:

• A proactive self‑starter, curious and resourceful, with a growth mindset and the confidence to take ownership and anticipate needs.

• Able to remain calm under pressure, prioritising competing and urgent tasks effectively.

• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with a professional and polished style.

• Strong commitment to delivering first‑class PA support and continually improving processes and ways of working.

• A collaborative team player who works well with others and values being a part of a high performing, diverse and global team.

• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organisational abilities, with a structured and methodical approach.

• Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and able to build strong, trusted working relationships.

• PA / Team Assistant experience at a senior level is ideal.

• Experience within a professional services environment is advantageous, but not essential.

• Strong IT skills, particularly in Outlook, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

• Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with absolute discretion and professionalism.

• Willingness to learn and use new software tools and systems to support efficient working.

• Flexibility to work varied hours when required to support business needs.

• Willingness to travel to London as needed.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information: 

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.

• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).

• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.

• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.

• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.

• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.

• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.

• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.

• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to: 

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families. 

• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require. 

• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs. 

• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.