This is an exciting opportunity for a Paralegal to join our busy and supportive Real Estate department. You will gain experience across all aspects of the property sector and work with an impressive array of clients.
The Role
- Perform legal and factual research.
- Summarise and assist with drafting legal documents.
- Perform pre-completion reviews in relation to the land registry position to avoid requisitions.
- Prepare and file land registry application forms and companies house applications with accuracy.
- Calculate the SDLT payable, draft and submit SDLT returns and liaise with clients to obtain authority and facilitate payment to HMRC.
- Review and respond to land registry requisitions in a timely manner in order to avoid cancellations.
- Carry out and review land registry searches such as land charges search or priority searches.
- Assist with completion of leases and legal charges.
- Organise, analyse, cross-check and validate information.
- Prepare written reports.
- Liaise internally to facilitate client matter reports.
- Prepare correspondence and proofread legal documents.
- Check legal forms and documents for accuracy.
- Maintain and organise case files.
- Review and monitor new and updated regulations.
- Adhere to the post-registration steps by reviewing completed registers and file closures.
- Assist with billing and reviewing of ledgers.
- Assist in researching and drafting articles and business development materials for current affairs in relation to the Real Estate sector to contribute during knowledge (knowhow) sessions.
- Flexibility to work outside normal office hours may be required from time-to-time.
Key experience
- Experience in drafting HM Land Registry applications i.e. AP1, RX1, CH2’s etc and dealing with requisitions.
- Ability to calculate and draft Stamp Duty Land Tax returns.
- Experience in drafting companies house applications.
- Great attention to detail, efficient and ability to use initiative.
- Experience in reviewing leases, transfer deeds and legal charges.
- The ability to perform legal research.
- In depth knowledge of legal terminology and principles including the land registry,
HMRC and companies house requirements.
- The ability to analyse legal documents for accuracy.
- A spirit of co-operation, team player and a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills, ability to use initiative, work well under pressure including the ability to prioritise, multi-task and work to tight deadlines.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to relate and talk to people at all levels.
- High proficiency in all Microsoft office packages.
- A willingness and capability to serve client needs and handle client relations at the highest level.
Impact-Driven Purpose
We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.
Committed to the Climate
Through our Climate Programme, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.
Championing Inclusion
We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
Flexible and Hybrid Working
Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.
Progressive Benefits
We offer green pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.
At Bates Wells, we’re not the average law firm. We believe that actions speak louder than words. We strive to do the right thing as a business and to help our clients make a positive impact on their people and society.
Recruitment at Bates Wells – The use of AI
At Bates Wells, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our recruitment processes. We understand the importance of ensuring that our methods align with best practices and respect the privacy and rights of all candidates.
We would like to clarify that we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, sift, score, reject, or approve any recruitment decisions, at any stage of our recruitment process. Our recruitment decisions are made by hiring managers and the HR team, ensuring a personal and thoughtful approach to each candidate.
We do utilise AI technology in a limited capacity to enhance our recruitment process. Specifically, we use Metaview to record and transcribe interviews. This tool helps us maintain accurate records of interviews, to support objective scoring of answers based on evidence and ensures that we can review and reflect on the conversations held during the recruitment process. Importantly, Metaview is not used to evaluate candidates or make any decisions regarding their suitability for a role.
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and fairness in our recruitment processes and will continue to review and update our practices to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.