Private Client Legal Assistant | Chelmsford or Benfleet | Full Time | £28,000–£30,000 per annum
Our client is seeking a Private Client Legal Assistant to support their fee earners within the Private Client team, covering wills, lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) and probate/estate administration.
The Role
You will support fee earners with the day-to-day running of a busy caseload, handling client contact, preparing documents, progressing files and ensuring matters are dealt with efficiently.
The role involves providing a professional and sympathetic service to clients, many of whom may be elderly, vulnerable or recently bereaved.
Key Responsibilities
- Support fee earners with the day-to-day management of a large caseload
- Handle new client enquiries, take initial details and arrange appointments
- Open and close files, carry out conflict and AML/ID checks, and issue client care documents in line with firm procedures
- Manage incoming and outgoing calls, emails and post, and keep clients updated on progress
- Maintain accurate case management records, diaries and time recording
- Arrange will signings and witnessing and ensure correct execution
- Arrange safe storage of original wills and maintain the register of stored documents
- Submit applications to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), track registration and correct any rejections or queries
- Assist with Court of Protection applications, deputyship paperwork and enduring power of attorney (EPA) registrations, as required
- Assist with obtaining grants of probate and letters of administration, including preparing oath and application documents for the Probate Registry
- Write to banks, building societies, pension providers and other institutions to identify and collect assets, and obtain date-of-death valuations
- Assist with inheritance tax forms and HMRC correspondence, and with property valuations and Land Registry matters
- Place statutory notices, deal with creditor and beneficiary queries, and settle liabilities
- Prepare estate accounts, distribution schedules and completion paperwork for fee earner approval
- Keep executors and beneficiaries informed and handle sensitive communications with care
- Follow SRA regulations, AML, data protection and client-money procedures, and the firm's quality standards
- Identify and escalate any concerns about capacity, undue influence, vulnerability or fraud
Requirements
Essential
- Previous experience as a legal assistant, paralegal or legal secretary in a private client, wills and probate or estate administration team, typically 12+ months
- Working knowledge of wills, LPAs and the estate administration process
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a professional, empathetic telephone and client manner
- Strong organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage a large volume of files and deadlines
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management/legal accounting systems
- Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative
- Sensitive and compassionate when dealing with elderly, vulnerable or bereaved clients
- Discreet and trustworthy, with a strong sense of confidentiality
- Accurate, methodical and proactive in progressing files
- Keen to learn and develop within the private client team
- Highly proficient with technology and AI systems
Desirable
- Legal qualification or study towards one, such as a law degree, LPC/SQE or CILEX
- Experience with the HMCTS Court Portals
- Experience of the OPG and Probate Registry on