Residential Property Paralegal (Conveyancing) — Including Post-Completion
Department / Team
Residential Property / Conveyancing Department
Reporting Line
Reports to: Supervising Solicitor
Works closely with: Fee-earners, Accounts Team, Third-Party Search Providers
Role Purpose
To run a residential conveyancing matter caseload from instruction to completion / post completion under supervision and to provide support to fee-earners in such matters from instruction through to completion and post-completion, ensuring efficient progression of files, high client care standards, and compliance with regulatory obligations and lender requirements.
Key Responsibilities (Core Duties)
File Opening, Client Onboarding and Compliance
* Open new matters in line with firm procedures.
* Issue client care documents (terms of business, costs information, and key stages) and obtain client confirmations.
* Undertake CDD/AML checks, including source of funds and (where required) source of wealth enquiries; escalate concerns promptly in accordance with internal procedures.
* Complete conflict checks and ensure accurate matter set-up on the case management system.
Transaction Support (Sale, Purchase and Remortgage)
* Assist with progression of freehold and leasehold matters under supervision, including:
* Preparing and issuing draft contract packs on sales.
* Ordering searches, monitoring return dates, and reviewing results for completeness (escalating adverse entries).
* Liaising with clients, estate agents, lenders, brokers and other firms to progress matters and manage expectations.
Leasehold and Management Company Liaison
* Request, chase and collate management information (LPE1 and supporting documents).
* Assist with leasehold requirements including deeds of covenant, licences to assign, certificates of compliance, and landlord/agent notices.
Mortgage Lender Requirements (Under Supervision)
* Assist with mortgage offer administration, redemption statements.
* Support compliance with relevant lender requirements (including UK Finance Mortgage Lenders' Handbook provisions applicable to the matter), escalating title defects, discrepancies, or non-standard conditions.
Post-Completion
* Take ownership (under supervision and in line with firm procedures) of post-completion work to ensure matters are concluded promptly and accurately, including:
SDLT
* Draft and prepare SDLT returns and supporting information for review/approval where required by firm policy.
* Submit SDLT returns within statutory time limits and arrange payment in accordance with client instructions and accounts procedures.
* Obtain and upload SDLT5 certificate(s) to the file and include within Land Registry applications.
Land Registration
* Prepare and submit HM Land Registry applications (e.g., AP1/FR1 as appropriate), ensuring correct enclosures and certification of documents.
* Monitor Land Registry portal updates and respond to requisitions promptly and accurately, escalating complex requisitions or title issues.
* Ensure registration is completed, title information documents are checked against the application, and any discrepancies are escalated.
Notices, Restrictions and Leasehold Post-Completion
* Prepare and serve notices of transfer and charge on landlords/managing agents and obtain receipted notices where applicable.
* Arrange for certificates of compliance, landlord consents, and compliance with restrictions on title (including submission of required evidence to the Land Registry).
* Manage post-completion requirements for leasehold and management company properties, including membership transfers and updates to share certificates where relevant.
Lender and File Closure
* Provide lenders with completed registration details (e.g., title information document and registration evidence) where required.
* Ensure deeds and documents are stored/returned in accordance with firm policy.
* Close files in line with retention policies, ensuring final checks are complete (e.g., undertakings satisfied, ledger balanced, file audit complete).
File Management and Client Care
* Keep case management systems up to date with accurate, contemporaneous notes and clear audit trails.
* Provide regular client updates and respond promptly to enquiries, escalating complaints or service issues in accordance with firm policy.
* Contribute to continuous improvement of precedents, checklists and post-completion processes.
Scope / Limits of Authority
* Work under the supervision arrangements of the department and in accordance with firm policies.
* No independent conduct of reserved legal activities unless appropriately authorised and supervised.
* Escalate without delay: title defects, complex lease provisions, indemnity insurance proposals, lender condition issues, requisitions raising substantive title concerns, AML red flags, and potential negligence risks.
Key Skills, Competencies and Behaviours
* Strong understanding of end-to-end conveyancing including post-completion workflow.
* High attention to detail, particularly for SDLT submissions, AP1/FR1 applications, and requisition responses.
* Effective diary management and ability to handle multiple deadlines concurrently.
* Clear, professional communication with clients, lenders, managing agents and the Land Registry.
* Strong compliance mindset and commitment to accurate record-keeping.
* Excellent organisational skills
* Ability to work as part of a team and committed to a career in this area
* Flexible and proactive approach and ability to work on own initiative
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* Experience in residential conveyancing, including demonstrable post-completion work (SDLT and Land Registry applications).
* Experience liaising with clients, referrers and third parties
* Familiarity with HM Land Registry Portal and requisition handling.
* Competence using case management systems and standard conveyancing documentation.
Desirable
* Experience with leasehold registrations, restrictions, and certificates of compliance.
* Exposure to higher-volume casework and tight statutory deadlines.
Working Arrangements
* Location: The Beam, Plater Way, Sunderland, SR1 3AD
* Hours: Full time
* Salary: depending on experience
ABOUT RICHARD REED SOLICITORS
We are a progressive and ambitious award-winning law firm with roots going back to the 1940s. Now, in the 2020s, our forward-thinking leadership team is taking the firm to new heights with exciting plans for growth ahead.
At the very heart of those plans are our people. We understand and embrace that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to continually building an inclusive and supportive working environment. This enables our team to do their best work benefiting both our colleagues and our clients alike.
As a Lexcel-accredited practice, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding client care and high-quality legal services, while offering an enjoyable, supportive and professional working environment.
Our New Home at The Beam
We have recently relocated to The Beam, a landmark riverside development in the heart of Sunderland city centre. Our new office provides a modern, flexible and collaborative working environment, designed to support our teams as we continue to grow and innovate all within easy reach of local amenities, transport links and the wider business community.
OUR CORE VALUES
Our firm's values influence, guide and shape everything we do — for our clients and for each other. We are:
Results driven
We get the job done. Our team is motivated and driven to succeed, putting passion and energy into every case to achieve positive outcomes for our clients.
Agile
No two people or businesses are the same. We adapt our approach and services to meet the needs of our clients and our colleagues.
Proactive
We work collaboratively to anticipate, identify and prevent problems before they arise.
Teamwork
We believe in the power of collaboration. Our people bring together their expertise and experience to deliver the best possible advice and support at every stage.
Supportive
We value open communication and mutual respect. We listen, share ideas and work together to find solutions.
WHY JOIN OUR FIRM
* Be part of our exciting future
* Truly make a difference within our local communities
* Be supported by friendly, knowledgeable colleagues who share the same values
* Ongoing career development through in-house and external training
* Regular appraisals and feedback
* Competitive, market-rate salaries
* 27 days' holiday
* Christmas Eve off
* Office closure between Christmas and New Year
* Pension
* Death in service insurance
* Regular social events
* Employee high-street discounts app (Reward Me Now)
* Discounted legal services for employees
WORKING IN SUNDERLAND
Thanks to ongoing regeneration, more and more talented professionals are choosing to grow their careers in Sunderland.
It is a dynamic place to work, live and enjoy — offering a welcoming culture alongside major investment and development across the city. Sunderland boasts fantastic cafés, restaurants, bars, museums, parks, sports facilities and, unlike many other cities, a beautiful coastline.
The city is exceptionally well connected:
By car: Accessible via the A1(M), A19, A690, A184 and Tyne Tunnel, with direct links to Newcastle, Durham, Middlesbrough, London and Scotland.
By rail: Sunderland railway station is centrally located and connected via the Metro, with easy access on foot, by bus or car.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,444.00-£26,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person