<div><p>We are seeking an experienced Legal Secretary to join our clients busy residential property team. The successful candidate will provide high-quality secretarial and administrative support to fee earners, assist with the efficient progression of conveyancing matters and deliver excellent client service. This role offers exposure to a wide range of residential property work, opportunities for professional development and may offer hybrid working arrangements depending on team needs.</p><h3>Key responsibilities</h3><ul><li><p>Provide comprehensive secretarial support to solicitors and conveyancers, including typing and formatting correspondence, legal documents, contracts and forms to firm standards and precedents.</p></li><li><p>Open and maintain electronic case files, ensuring accurate file naming, clear case notes, key milestone recording and adherence to document management procedures.</p></li><li><p>Manage incoming and outgoing post, email and telephone enquiries, responding where appropriate and directing complex or time-sensitive matters to fee earners promptly.</p></li><li><p>Schedule appointments, manage diaries and co‑ordinate meetings with clients, estate agents, surveyors, lenders and other third parties to support timely progression of matters.</p></li><li><p>Prepare and check standard documentation such as client engagement letters, id forms, SDLT return drafts, completion statements, transfer deeds and contract packs under the supervision of fee earners.</p></li><li><p>Assist with client identity checks and anti‑money laundering (AML) compliance by gathering required documentation, maintaining audit trails and ensuring files are audit-ready in line with firm policy.</p></li><li><p>Process routine financial transactions in client accounts as instructed, prepare disbursement requests and support billing and file closure activities following firm procedures.</p></li><li><p>Liaise proactively with clients and external contacts (estate agents, mortgage brokers, lenders, HM Land Registry) to obtain necessary documentation, chase outstanding information and keep clients informed of progress.</p></li><li><p>Prioritise workload effectively across multiple matters, ensuring deadlines are met and fee earners are kept informed of outstanding actions and timescales.</p></li><li><p>Contribute to team efficiency by suggesting improvements to templates, checklists and workflows, and support the introduction of conveyancing systems and technology.</p></li><li><p>Provide support and mentoring to junior administrative staff where required, sharing knowledge of procedures and assisting with training and induction activities.</p></li></ul><h3>Key skills and experience required</h3><ul><li><p>Previous experience as a legal secretary or legal assistant within a conveyancing or residential property team in a law firm or conveyancing practice.</p></li><li><p>Good understanding of residential property processes and common transaction stages (sales, purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity and leasehold matters).</p></li><li><p>Familiarity with AML and client identification requirements and experience maintaining audit-ready files and compliance documentation.</p></li><li><p>Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines across a varied caseload.</p></li><li><p>Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional manner when liaising with clients, fee earners and third parties.</p></li><li><p>Proficient user of Microsoft Office, document management systems and case management software; willingness to learn new systems and adapt to process improvements.</p></li><li><p>Proactive and able to work both independently and as part of a team.</p></li></ul></div>