Private Client Legal Assistant

Private Client Legal Assistant | Chelmsford or Benfleet | Full Time | £28,000–£30,000 per annum

Our client is seeking a Private Client Legal Assistant to support their fee earners within the Private Client team, covering wills, lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) and probate/estate administration.

The Role

You will support fee earners with the day-to-day running of a busy caseload, handling client contact, preparing documents, progressing files and ensuring matters are dealt with efficiently.

The role involves providing a professional and sympathetic service to clients, many of whom may be elderly, vulnerable or recently bereaved.

Key Responsibilities

• Support fee earners with the day-to-day management of a large caseload
• Handle new client enquiries, take initial details and arrange appointments
• Open and close files, carry out conflict and AML/ID checks, and issue client care documents in line with firm procedures
• Manage incoming and outgoing calls, emails and post, and keep clients updated on progress
• Maintain accurate case management records, diaries and time recording
• Arrange will signings and witnessing and ensure correct execution
• Arrange safe storage of original wills and maintain the register of stored documents
• Submit applications to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), track registration and correct any rejections or queries
• Assist with Court of Protection applications, deputyship paperwork and enduring power of attorney (EPA) registrations, as required
• Assist with obtaining grants of probate and letters of administration, including preparing oath and application documents for the Probate Registry
• Write to banks, building societies, pension providers and other institutions to identify and collect assets, and obtain date-of-death valuations
• Assist with inheritance tax forms and HMRC correspondence, and with property valuations and Land Registry matters
• Place statutory notices, deal with creditor and beneficiary queries, and settle liabilities
• Prepare estate accounts, distribution schedules and completion paperwork for fee earner approval
• Keep executors and beneficiaries informed and handle sensitive communications with care
• Follow SRA regulations, AML, data protection and client-money procedures, and the firm's quality standards
• Identify and escalate any concerns about capacity, undue influence, vulnerability or fraud

Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience as a legal assistant, paralegal or legal secretary in a private client, wills and probate or estate administration team, typically 12+ months
• Working knowledge of wills, LPAs and the estate administration process
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a professional, empathetic telephone and client manner
• Strong organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage a large volume of files and deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management/legal accounting systems
• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative
• Sensitive and compassionate when dealing with elderly, vulnerable or bereaved clients
• Discreet and trustworthy, with a strong sense of confidentiality
• Accurate, methodical and proactive in progressing files
• Keen to learn and develop within the private client team
• Highly proficient with technology and AI systems

Desirable

• Legal qualification or study towards one, such as a law degree, LPC/SQE or CILEX
• Experience with the HMCTS Court Portals
• Experience of the OPG and Probate Registry on