Mallory Pryce is a specialist recruitment consultancy for the UK property and legal sectors. With over 15 years of experience, we connect law firms and conveyancing practices with the talent they need to grow. We focus on quality over volume, matching candidate aspirations with business goals.
We are recruiting an experienced Commercial Property Legal Secretary to join a busy and friendly commercial property team within a reputable law firm. This permanent, full-time role is based in the Central Chester area with flexible hybrid working options available. The successful candidate will provide high-quality secretarial and administrative support to fee earners, ensuring efficient file progression and excellent client service across a varied commercial property caseload.
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, hybrid working available.
Key responsibilities:
* Provide comprehensive secretarial support to solicitors and paralegals, including audio typing, production of correspondence, drafting documents from templates and formatting complex documents.
* Open and close files, carry out client onboarding and Anti-Money Laundering checks in accordance with firm procedures.
* Prepare and submit Land Registry applications (FR1, AP1, OS1 where applicable) and manage online portal transactions; use conveyancing and property portals used by the firm.
* Arrange and collate documentation for completions, lease transactions, transfers of part, licences, easements and other commercial property matters.
* Co-ordinate sealing and execution of documents, arranging for signature, witnessing and return of executed documents in line with client instructions and internal controls.
* Liaise with clients, brokers, lenders, property managers, valuers and other third parties to progress transactions; schedule and manage appointments and hearings as required.
* Maintain accurate electronic and physical file records, ensuring compliance with the firm’s risk, compliance and document retention policies.
* Manage telephone and email enquiries professionally, prioritise incoming work and ensure timely distribution of messages to fee earners.
* Assist with billing processes, preparing draft bills, time recording and liaising with accounts as required.
* Support fee earners with general office duties including photocopying, scanning, courier bookings and reception cover when needed.
* Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
Key skills and experience required:
* Proven experience as a legal secretary supporting commercial property or real estate teams within a law firm or in-house legal environment.
* Strong typing and audio-typing skills with excellent attention to detail and high standards of accuracy.
* Knowledge of Land Registry forms and online submission processes; familiarity with FR1, AP1, OS1 and portal workflows.
* Good understanding of commercial property documentation (leases, licences, transfers, easements) and associated transactional processes.
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
* Professional telephone manner and strong written and verbal communication skills, able to deal with clients and third parties confidently.
* Proactive, flexible and a collaborative team player with a positive attitude to continuous improvement.
* Digital literacy, including experience with legal case management systems and Microsoft Office; experience with e-conveyancing portals and document management systems advantageous.
* Knowledge of AML procedures and strong commitment to compliance and confidentiality.
Benefits and development:
* Competitive salary dependent on experience and clear opportunities for progression within the team.
* Hybrid working arrangements and a supportive, collaborative working culture.
* Support for training and professional development, including role-specific training and system familiarisation.
* Opportunities to work on a diverse range of commercial property matters and to develop broader legal administration skills.