Legal Assistant
Department: Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts (North)
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Leeds
Description
As a Legal Assistant in our Private Client department in the North region, you will assist fee-earners and work alongside support staff in our Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team who provide advice and support spanning all aspects of wills, probate, tax and trusts matters.
You will assist solicitors with a wide range of administrative tasks in respect of wills, probate, tax and trusts matters including probate and estate administration, drafting of wills, arranging lasting power of attorney applications, court of protection matters, inheritance tax planning and trusts.
You will provide an excellent, client-focused service at all times and a can-do attitude towards assisting members of the team. This role is full-time, based at our offices in Leeds, and reports to the Head of Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts (North).
Key Responsibilities
Legal Assistant/Secretarial Support
Carry out the full range of support and secretarial duties to support the fee-earners in the department, to include:
* Prepare from dictation, verbal or written instructions correspondence and documents as required;
* Complete filing on a daily basis;
* Open files in accordance with departmental and firm-wide procedures;
* Close and arrange storage for client matter files;
* Request closed client matter files to be returned from storage as and when required;
* Prepare mail and ensure that any enclosures required are attached;
* Arrange for all photocopying to be completed within the required timeframes;
* Make appointments, arrange meetings and to maintain the diary for his/her fee earners;
* Ensure that any meeting rooms required are booked as necessary;
* Attend clients both in person and on the telephone and to provide support in a professional and friendly manner in keeping with the firm’s standards for client care and confidentiality;
* Draft and format legal documentation under the direction and supervision of the fee earners that you are working for;
* Ensure the confidentiality of all the firm’s and client’s documentation and information;
* Work actively within your department to create a good working atmosphere and to provide a first-class service to all fee earners and clients.
* Ensure that all SRA/ ISO and departmental procedures that are relevant to your role are followed and complied with.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
You will:
* Have excellent telephone handling skills and be a strong communicator.
* Preferably have previous experience in a legal secretary or administrative role.
* Be able to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
* Be focused on resolutions and positive outcomes.
* Have excellent time management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines with your caseloads.
* Be enthusiastic and work hard to develop with the team and the business.
* Be committed but patient with the journey, career progression opportunities are available and our business is growing, but you will need to demonstrate continued success in the Legal Assistant/PA role, including mastering drafting and dealing with client facing work, before progression opportunities can be explored.
Disclosure will be required in the event that a position is offered. Financial checks will be required in the event that a position is offered.
Benefits
What we offer?
* Competitive salary
* Bonus potential
* Great working environment at our Sheffield offices
* Career development opportunities
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Options to buy & sell 1 week’s holiday
* 1 week’s holiday carry over
* Extra day off for your birthday
* Staff card discount scheme for local shops
* Social days and evenings on the firm
* Staff discounts on legal services
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