Job Description
Role Title
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:
\t
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.
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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.
\tNotices, 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.
\tLender 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: Office
* Hours: Full time
* Salary: depending on experience