THE ROLE
Due to internal progression, we are seeking an experienced and proactive Legal Assistant to join our Residential Property team in our busy Braintree office.
This is an excellent opportunity to support two friendly and experienced Residential Property Lawyers, assisting with a varied caseload and playing a key role in delivering an exceptional client experience throughout the conveyancing process.
The successful candidate will support fee earners across the full range of residential conveyancing transactions from commencement through to completion.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Conveyancing Duties
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Assisting fee earners with freehold and leasehold sale and purchase matters, transfers of equity, remortgages and related residential property transactions.
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Liaising confidently with clients, estate agents, mortgage lenders and solicitors at all stages of the transaction.
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Providing regular updates to clients via telephone and email, ensuring excellent levels of communication and client care.
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Ordering, reviewing and interpreting property searches where required.
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Drafting mortgage reports and preparing comprehensive contract packs for sales transactions.
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Collating Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Source of Funds documentation for fee earner review.
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Preparing transfers and other conveyancing documentation.
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Preparing Certificates of Title and requesting mortgage funds from lenders.
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Assisting with exchange and completion processes, including running completions where appropriate.
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Submitting applications to HM Land Registry when required.
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Supporting fee earners with all post-exchange and post-completion matters.
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Delivering a high standard of service to clients and introducers at all times.
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Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing clients and professional contacts.
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Identifying opportunities to cross-refer services across the firm where appropriate.
Case Management
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Closing files in accordance with firm procedures.
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Managing credit and debit balances and conducting ledger reviews.
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Maintaining accurate and up-to-date files, ensuring deadlines and compliance requirements are consistently met.
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Ensuring all paperwork is processed efficiently and filed appropriately.
General Administration
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Providing administrative and secretarial support to the Residential Property team, with priority support to allocated fee earners.
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Assisting with secretarial cover during periods of planned and unplanned absence.
WHAT SKILLS & EXPERIENCE DO I NEED
Experience
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Previous conveyancing experience gained within a similar legal support role.
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Strong understanding of residential conveyancing processes and procedures.
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Confidence in supporting and progressing residential property transactions.
Skills
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Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
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Able to prioritise a busy workload and work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Holmes & Hills, we pride ourselves on our collaborative, respectful and authentic culture. We are a modern and progressive law firm committed to delivering exceptional client service while supporting the wellbeing and professional development of our people.
Our benefits include:
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Competitive salary
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Supportive, relaxed and flexible working environment
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28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
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Medicash cashback scheme after one year of service
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Life insurance
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Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
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Physical and mental wellbeing support, including 24/7 virtual GP access
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Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
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Family-friendly policies and family events leave
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Company sick pay
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Cycle to Work scheme
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. Holmes & Hills works in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long standing relationships, protect clients' interests and support clients' growth and development.
Holmes & Hills' large team of legal experts work in partnership with individuals and organisations to provide them with truly proactive legal services through personal relationships. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, we take the time to understand clients' needs and objectives before delivering practical advice through a personal and accessible approach.
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners - two independent directories of the UK’s top law firms - as being a leading supplier of legal services in the region.
These accreditations give our clients the confidence that the legal advice and representation they receive from Holmes & Hills is some of the best available.
Our clients range from established and growing businesses whose brands are recognised and sold around the world and local authorities across the region, through to families and first-time home buyers.
