Berrys Solicitors
Location: Blackpool or Lancaster
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, with a one-hour lunch break
Work arrangement: Office-based
Berrys Solicitors is a long-standing, trusted and family-run firm providing private client and property law services across Blackpool, Lancaster and the surrounding areas.
We are proud to offer clients a personal, friendly and professional service. As a small firm, every member of our team plays an important part in maintaining the high standard of service our clients expect.
Due to the continued growth of the practice, we are looking to recruit a full-time Legal Assistant. The successful candidate may be based at either our Blackpool or Lancaster office, as to be discussed at the interview.
The role
The Legal Assistant will predominantly support our private client department, while also assisting with Court of Protection and property matters when required.
This is an excellent opportunity for a law student, law graduate or motivated individual who would like to begin or develop a career in the legal profession.
Previous experience in a legal environment would be beneficial, but it is not essential. Full training will be provided to a candidate who demonstrates the right attitude, enthusiasm, organisation and willingness to learn.
The position offers genuine opportunities for progression. A successful Legal Assistant may have the opportunity to develop into a paralegal role and potentially progress further within the legal profession.
Key responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing administrative and practical support to solicitors, paralegals and other members of the team
- Assisting predominantly with private client matters, including Wills, probate, estate administration and Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Supporting Court of Protection and property matters when required
- Opening, maintaining and closing client files
- Carrying out identification, file-opening and compliance procedures
- Answering telephone calls and dealing with enquiries professionally
- Welcoming clients and visitors to the office
- Arranging appointments and managing diaries
- Preparing letters, emails, forms and other documents
- Producing documents from written instructions or digital dictation
- Photocopying, scanning, printing and filing documents
- Maintaining accurate electronic and paper records
- Requesting information and documentation from clients and third parties
- Assisting with the preparation of bundles, forms and applications
- Monitoring important dates, deadlines and outstanding tasks
- Contacting clients to provide routine updates or request further information
- Liaising with courts, government departments, financial institutions, estate agents and other professional organisations
- Carrying out basic legal or administrative research
- Supporting the team with billing and file-management procedures
- Handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately
- Ensuring that client information is recorded accurately
- Providing general administrative support across the firm when needed
- Undertaking other reasonable duties to support the efficient operation of the practice
Essential qualities
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a genuine interest in law and the legal profession
- Is professional, reliable and trustworthy
- Has excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Has strong attention to detail
- Can use common sense
- Is organised and able to manage several tasks effectively
- Is confident speaking with clients by telephone and in person
- Has a friendly, patient and compassionate manner
- Understands the importance of confidentiality
- Is willing to learn and respond positively to feedback
- Can work effectively both independently and as part of a small team
- Has good general IT skills, including experience using email and Microsoft Office
- Takes pride in producing accurate and professional work
- Demonstrates initiative while recognising when guidance is required
Qualifications and experience
A law degree or current study towards a law degree is preferred but is not essential.
We particularly welcome applications from:
- Current law students who are able to work the advertised full-time hours
- Recent law graduates
- Candidates with previous legal, office, administrative or customer-service experience
- Individuals who can demonstrate a genuine commitment to developing a career in law
Previous experience within a solicitors’ firm would be an advantage, but we are happy to consider candidates without legal work experience where they demonstrate the right attitude and potential.
Training and career progression
Berrys Solicitors is committed to developing talented people from within the firm.
For the right candidate, this position may provide:
- Practical experience within a working solicitors’ practice
- Training across private client, Court of Protection and property matters
- Regular guidance and support from experienced legal professionals
- The opportunity to develop legal and administrative skills
- The potential to progress into a paralegal position
- Longer-term opportunities to progress beyond paralegal level, subject to performance, ability, qualifications and the needs of the firm
We would particularly like to hear from candidates who want to build a long-term career and grow with the practice.
Benefits
- Workplace pension
- Full on-the-job training
- Ongoing professional development
- Genuine career progression opportunities
- Supportive, family-run working environment
- Experience across several areas of legal practice
- Potential progression to a paralegal role and beyond
Additional information
This is a full-time, office-based position. The successful candidate may occasionally be required to attend the firm’s other office, although any potential travel between Blackpool and Lancaster will be discussed at interview.
Applicants who are currently studying must be available to work the full hours of the position.
How to apply
Please apply through Indeed with an up-to-date CV and a short covering letter explaining:
- Why you are interested in working for Berrys Solicitors
- Your relevant qualifications or current course of study
- Any legal, administrative, office or customer-service experience
- Whether you would prefer to be based in Blackpool or Lancaster
- Your current notice period or availability to start
Contact: Mathew Berry
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £23,500.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Blackpool FY1 3PB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
