We are seeking an organised Legal Assistant - Private Client to join our clients experienced team in Beaconsfield. The successful candidate will provide high-quality administrative and casework support to fee-earners handling wills, probate, estates and lasting powers of attorney, ensuring efficient progression of matters from client intake through to completion.
Key responsibilities
* Assist fee-earners with the day-to-day management of a private client caseload, including preparation of wills, administration of estates, probate applications, intestacy matters, estate accounts and lasting powers of attorney; progress matters in line with agreed timescales and firm procedures.
* Carry out client care and AML checks at intake; open, maintain and close client files in accordance with firm policies and SRA requirements to ensure matter records are audit-ready and compliant.
* Prepare, format and proofread private client documentation including wills, grant of probate/personal representatives documents, attendance notes, client letters, estate accounts and statutory forms; ensure accuracy and consistency with firm precedents and templates.
* Support clients and fee-earners with client-facing matters such as obtaining information, arranging meetings, taking detailed instructions, obtaining ID and documentary evidence, and keeping clients updated on progress with sensitivity and professionalism.
* Use and maintain case management and document management systems by updating matter records, scanning and indexing documents and ensuring version control of precedents and templates.
Key skills and experience required
* At least 6 months experience in a legal support role within private client, probate or wills teams, or equivalent administrative experience in a legal services environment.
* Strong administrative and document production skills with attention to detail and a high standard of written English.
* Familiarity with client care and AML procedures and an understanding of basic private client processes including probate applications, estate administration and LPA registration; willingness to learn and develop technical knowledge.
* Proficiency with case management and document management systems and confident use of Microsoft Office.
* Good organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and work independently while escalating issues appropriately.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a professional manner and the ability to deal sensitively with vulnerable clients and bereaved families while building effective working relationships with colleagues and third parties.
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