Private Client Paralegal For Law Firm

Department:Private Client

Reports to:Private Client Director

Location: Gerrards Cross

Hours: Full time. Part-time considered if studying SQE exams

Start date:TBC

Salary and T&C’s: on application

About the organisation: MDW Solicitors is a highly regarded and well-established specialist legal practice based in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire

Main purpose of the job:

The candidate will initially be responsible for supporting a professional and efficient private client practice.

They will have an excellent client manner and enjoy regular client contact; under supervision, be technically skilled in administrative work, ideally with solid experience of case management. Knowledge of the Leap case management system is an advantage.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will ideally be an experienced paralegal, although we will consider strong candidates coming straight from education. They will have recent experience of working in a busy support role doing private client legal work, in a legal environment.

They will provide excellent front-line support to the main fee earner and a professional administrative service to clients. They will take personal responsibility to learn on the job and assist in supporting the growth of the private client department. Consideration will be given to offering the right candidate a training contract after an initial period of 6 months depending on experience.

Main duties:

• Quickly respond to existing clients and new business enquiries
• Administration, producing letters, forms and documents which utilise Case Management and IT systems
• Preparing correspondence and documents as well as amending and formatting more complex documents
• Ability to use the Land Registry portal to obtain office copies and submit straightforward Land Registry applications
• drafting wills, trusts, and estate planning documents
• Managing probate applications and administration
• Conducting legal research and preparing reports
• Liaising with clients and providing high-level support
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records
• Generally assisting with probate and estate matters
• Attending clients over the phone and providing assistance in a professional and friendly manner
• Providing the highest levels of accuracy, speed, confidentiality and presentation
• Prioritising and arranging meetings and other appointments
• Opening new files, filing, photocopying, cheque requests, bank transfers, bankruptcy searches, capturing, closing and archiving of files,post preparation
• Meet with clients face to face, to help administer and progress private client matters as instructed by the supervising solicitor
• Provide clients with updates in relation to the day-to-day relevant matters via phone, email and face to face
• On the supervising fee earner’s instructions, billing for work done on client’s behalf, chasing invoices if necessary and liaising with the finance department
• Meeting all due diligence and compliance requirements including those relating to ID, letters of engagement, conflict check and AML regulations
• Ensure high quality communication with the company’s internal teams and individuals
• Deal with incoming post in the solicitor’s absence, matching post with the file and forwarding post where relevant
• Report faulty equipment / software to appropriate parties
• Attend relevant team meetings
• Participate in other activities and projects; flexibility as required

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1-3years' experience in private client work
• Strong knowledge of wills, trusts, probate, and estate planning
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities
• Proficiency in legal research and document preparation

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• A supportive and collaborative work environment
• If you're a dedicated and experienced paralegal looking to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you!

Compliance & quality standards

Ensure compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Abide by all company Health & Safety procedures

Assist with Compliance related matters relevant to the department

Carry out reasonable tasks that may be requested by your line manager

Personal Attributes

Motivated, well-organised, flexible and with a can-do attitude

Proactive and able to work under pressure

Good typing and organisational skills

Excellent attention to detail

Strong written and oral communication skills

Takes responsibility for their own work subject to supervision

Ability to deal with competing priorities and meet deadlines

Shows understanding of client’s needs and tailors service appropriately

Calm and confident team player with good interpersonal skills and "can do" attitude

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent. Will also consider part time applicants who are studying the SQE exams

Work Location: MDW Solicitors Ltd, 1 Chalfont Park, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, SL9 0SX. We are a small family run firm. Please see our website at www.mdwsolicitors.com for more information

Full driving licence required.

Full-time