Overview
We are seeking a dedicated Paralegal specialising in Private Client matters to join our legal team. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a keen interest in private client law to develop their skills within a professional environment. This is a role suitable for a person with some legal knowledge, whether that has been gained through a Degree, SQE or LPC level qualification or in legal practice. It is a role which forms a basis of a legal career with potential to be counted as part of qualifying work experience towards a Solicitor’s qualification, or as part of a CILEX apprenticeship.
Main purposes of role:
- Support fee earners and partners across a broad range of private client matters, including wills, probate, powers of attorney, trusts and estate administration.
- Act as the first point of contact for all calls to the Private Client Team in the office in which you are located; assess new client enquiries and ensure that first appointments are booked with the correct level of fee earner in the team, across offices if necessary; including cover for paralegal colleagues with the same role in other offices when they are absent.
- Undertake fee earning work in relation to Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and non-taxable Probate matters and provide a profitable contribution to the work of the department and the firm.
- Deliver an excellent standard of client care.
- Contribute to the successful development of the department and of the firm in line with any business plan.
Duties
- Assist solicitors with the preparation of wills, trusts, probate applications, and other private client documentation
- Conduct legal research using relevant databases and resources
- Manage and organise case files to ensure all documentation is accurate and up-to-date
- Draft correspondence, reports, and legal documents using Microsoft Word and Outlook
- Liaise with clients professionally via email and telephone to gather necessary information and provide updates
- Schedule appointments and maintain calendars to ensure deadlines are met efficiently
- Support the team with administrative tasks including data entry and document management using Microsoft Excel
- Ensure compliance with confidentiality and data protection regulations at all times
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a legal or administrative role (Private Client experience desirable) OR a law degree level qualification.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and empathy.
- Confident telephone manner and client-facing skills.
- Ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload.
- This role offers an engaging environment where you can enhance your legal knowledge while supporting a reputable firm specialising in private client services. The position is paid and suitable for motivated individuals eager to grow their career within the legal industry.
Desirable
- Experience in Wills, LPAs, or probate work.
- Familiarity with case management systems.
- Understanding of Private Client processes andbterminology.
Personal Attributes
- Professional, approachable, and client-focused.
- Proactive and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to learn and develop within the Private Client discipline.
- High level of integrity and confidentiality.
Career Development
This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop a career within Private Client law, with ongoing training and the potential for progression to a fee earning role.
Role Responsibilities
1. Client Intake & Call Handling
- Act as the first point of contact for all incoming departmental enquiries (telephone, email and online) in the office in which you are based (and for other offices when providing holiday cover)
- Conduct initial fact-finding with prospective clients in a professional and empathetic manner.
- Assess the nature and complexity of enquiries and allocate appropriately to relevant fee earners.
- Make initial appointments for fee earners and provide them with an Enquiry Information Form in support.
- Maintain accurate records of enquiries and follow up where required.
- Provide clear, basic information about services, processes, and likely next steps (within competence and compliance limits).
2. Wills & Estate Planning
- Prepare simple and mirror Wills under supervision.
- Take client instructions and draft basic documentation for approval by supervising fee earners.
- Arrange execution of Wills and ensure compliance with formalities.
- Maintain accurate file notes and case records.
3. Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
- Prepare and process applications for Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare LPAs.
- Liaise with clients, attorneys, and certificate providers as needed.
- Submit LPA applications to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
- Monitor application progress and update clients regularly.
4. Probate Matters (Non-Taxable Estates)
- Undertake administration of straightforward, non-taxable estates.
- Prepare probate application documents and supporting paperwork (under supervision).
- Enter details onto the Probate Plus software and draft estate accounts (basic).
- Liaise with executors, beneficiaries, financial institutions, and third parties.
- Ensure timely progression of matters with appropriate supervision.
5. Deputyships / Court of Protection Matters
- Provide administrative support to running a Deputyship/CoP matter under the supervision of a fee earner
6. General Support
- Open and maintain client files in accordance with firm procedures and compliance requirements.
- Ensure all work complies with SRA regulations and firm policies.
- Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards at all times.
7. Support to Fee Earners
- Provide general assistance to fee earners across the Private Client team to support efficient case progression.
- Undertake delegated tasks on a range of matters, ensuring work is completed accurately and within required timeframes.
Pay: From £26,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
