In The Corner Office, we ask Managing Partners at law firms across Central and Eastern Europe about their backgrounds, strategies, and responsibilities. This time around, we asked: If you were to hire a new receptionist tomorrow, what is the one most important trait you look for and why?
Istvan Szatmary, Oppenheim, Hungary: If I were to hire a new receptionist tomorrow, the most important traits I would look for would be genuine helpfulness and a natural willingness to support others. As the first person that people interact with when entering the workplace, the receptionist’s attitude can set the tone for the entire experience. Someone who is naturally inclined to help, whether by guiding a visitor, solving a minor issue, or supporting colleagues with small tasks, creates a welcoming, positive environment that benefits both internal and external stakeholders.
Helpfulness isn’t just about completing tasks; it reflects empathy, attentiveness, and initiative. A helpful receptionist tends to notice needs before they are voiced, act without being asked, and go the extra mile to ensure smooth communication and operations. This mindset significantly contributes to team morale, client satisfaction, and overall workplace efficiency.
Unlike technical skills, which can be taught, a genuine desire to help comes from within. It fosters strong working relationships, trust, and a collaborative atmosphere. For a role that involves daily interaction with a wide range of people, this trait is invaluable. It transforms a receptionist from a gatekeeper into a central part of the team.
Ondrej Peterka, Peterka Partners, Czech Republic: The most important trait we look for is proactivity because a receptionist with a proactive approach to ongoing tasks not only ensures smooth daily operations but also shows the potential to grow into more senior roles within the company, which is already our experience at Peterka Partners.
Oleksiy Feliv, Integrites, Ukraine: The most important trait I’d look for is an exceptional focus on client service. For many visitors, the receptionist is their first and last point of contact with our firm, and that experience should reflect the professionalism, care, and precision we bring to our legal work.
I often say that walking into our office should feel like arriving at a five-star hotel: warm, efficient, and entirely client-focused. That means more than just being polite. It’s about anticipating needs, making people feel welcome and respected, and handling even the small details with attentiveness and discretion.
In our line of work, trust and perception matter enormously. A receptionist who treats every visitor – whether a long-standing client or a first-time guest – with that level of care contributes meaningfully to our reputation. It’s more than a front desk role; it’s the beginning of the client relationship.
Josip Marohnic, Marohnic, Tomek & Gjoic, Croatia: If I were hiring a new receptionist tomorrow, the single most important trait I’d look for is composure. A law firm’s front desk can go from calm to chaotic in minutes. Clients under stress, urgent deliveries, and last-minute schedule changes. The person in that seat sets the tone for how we handle it all. I need someone who can stay calm, professional, and warm no matter what walks through the door. That kind of presence is not only reassuring to clients but essential to keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Ivana Ruzicic, PR Legal, Serbia: The receptionist role demands many skills, but if I had to pick one, it would be the ability to multitask well. The receptionist role is often quiet and behind the scenes; when everything runs smoothly, no one really notices. But the moment something doesn’t work well, it immediately affects the whole office. Receptionists are a vital support to the core business of a law firm, managing calls, visitors, schedules, and various administrative tasks all at once. Because of this, being able to handle multiple demands efficiently and calmly is essential. It’s not just about answering the phone or greeting clients; it’s about keeping the daily flow uninterrupted, even when unexpected issues arise. Multitasking ensures that the receptionist can juggle these responsibilities without letting anything slip through the cracks, which ultimately helps the entire firm function smoothly. In my experience, this trait makes the difference between a receptionist who simply fills a role and one who truly supports the firm’s dynamics.
Djura Mijatovic, ZMP, Serbia: The key trait I would prioritize is communication skills. Clear, friendly, and professional communication sets the tone for every interaction. It builds trust, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures smooth coordination between clients, staff, and departments. A receptionist with strong communication skills makes people feel welcome, heard, and valued.
Since the receptionist is often the first face you see when entering the office – or the first voice you hear on a call – they form the first impression a client gets of the company.
Other important qualities include strong organizational abilities and solid technical skills, which support efficiency and help keep daily operations running smoothly.
Pal Jalsovszky, Jalsovszky, Hungary: Problem-solving ability. Our receptionists are faced with many unexpected situations in their daily routines. It is of utmost importance that they have a positive and creative attitude when such circumstances occur. I admit, though, that this is difficult to measure during a pre-job interview. This is what the probation period is designed for.
Christoph Mager, DLA Piper, Austria: The receptionist stands as the quintessential calling card, often crafting the first and last impressions our clients or other visitors receive about our firm. This pivotal role sets the tone for the entire experience, ensuring that every individual feels genuinely welcome, comfortable, and valued.
When hiring a receptionist, the most important trait to look for is excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate should possess strong interpersonal skills, a warm yet professional demeanor, and a high degree of emotional intelligence. They must excel in communication, both face-to-face and over the phone, maintaining a calm and solution-oriented approach even in high-pressure situations.
Equally important are organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability. A great receptionist not only manages schedules and handles inquiries efficiently but also ensures the seamless operation of the front desk, all while being friendly, professional, approachable, and anticipating our clients’ needs.
Ultimately, the ideal receptionist should embody the core values and culture of the company they represent. They do not just answer phones, they create positive first impressions that can shape lasting relationships. In essence, the perfect receptionist is the cornerstone of a welcoming and professional business environment, which is crucial for a law firm that thrives on personal connections.
This article was originally published in Issue 12.6 of the CEE Legal Matters Magazine. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the magazine, you can subscribe here.
