The firm
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.
Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 5th best law firm to work at in 2024.
With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership.
The department
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Transaction Support Assistant to join our Commercial Real Estate Teams in Ipswich serving the wider the Real Estate Division. This role is pivotal in facilitating the smooth execution of conveyancing transactions, primarily focusing on administrative tasks related to HM Land Registry applications.
The role forms part of a new process to support the work of commercial real estate lawyers both in Ipswich and other offices across the firm within a new team. Over time, and as the remit of the team is expanded into other areas the role will also involve assisting with other aspects of the post-completion processes in conveyancing transactions including (for instance) preparing stamp duty tax returns.
Purpose of job
* Assist conveyancing teams with administrative tasks at various stages of transactions.
* Prepare and submit HM Land Registry applications accurately and in a timely manner using online digital filing tools.
* Monitor and report on the progress of applications within the HM Land Registry systems including dealing with enquiries raised and liaising with practice teams on completion of applications
* Assist with post-completion matters, including filing and archiving of documents.
* Stay updated on relevant legislation and procedural changes affecting conveyancing transactions.
* Collaborate with colleagues to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to deadlines.
* Prepare and file stamp duty tax returns as required, under the guidance of senior team members.
* Perform other post completion administrative tasks (including electronic registration of charges at Companies House) as assigned by supervisors.
* Report on key performance indicators such as the rate of enquiry (requisitions) raised on applications with a view to reducing the firm's overall requisition rate relative to current levels.
The candidate
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a dynamic and growing team dealing with high quality work. There is considerable scope to develop the nature of the role within the Transaction Support Team by actively seeking out other opportunities to provide strategic support to the real estate teams across the various stages of conveyancing transactions. This may include developing work streams within the Team to focus on specific aspects of the conveyancing process including improvement of processes and deployment of technologies to drive efficiencies.
We are looking for:
* Previous experience in a legal or conveyancing environment is highly desirable.
* Familiarity with HM Land Registry procedures and applications is advantageous. Previous experience of using the Infotrack e-filing platform would be particularly useful.
* Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal software applications.
* Ability to prioritise tasks and work effectively under pressure.
* Proactive attitude and willingness to learn new skills.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
* Strong team player with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Equal opportunities
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
* 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
* Long Service holiday award - 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
* Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
* Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
* Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
* Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
* Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
* Paid CSR Day
* Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
* Subsidised gym membership
* Electric car scheme
* Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
* Dress for your Day Policy
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.