Private Client - Legal Assistant/ Paralegal

Role Purpose

To join the Private Client department as a Legal Assistant in the Wealth Preservation team.

Key Responsibilities

• Working closely with the PA's in the team with regard to new instructions, to include using the new enquiries procedure which involves taking initial details and gathering relevant information in order to organise the first initial meeting and to allocate the client relationship to the appropriate fee earner to take further.
• Acting as a point of contact for new and existing clients on queries in relation to ongoing wealth instructions and, where appropriate, assisting to move the query forwards.
• Attending meetings with fee earners for the purposes of assisting with any legal identification processes via the iPad and potentially preparing an attendance note of the relevant meeting.
• Initiating the process and working closely with the relevant fee earner to open the client file and preparing a first draft of the engagement letter for approval by the fee earner.
• In due course, and with support, preparing first draft documents relevant for the production of wills and lasting powers of attorney.
• Finalising documentation for signature, both for meetings in the office and to circulate to clients.
• Attending meetings for the purposes of assisting with the completion of documentation and acting as witness.
• Ensuring safe storage of completed documents to include saving to the relevant area and providing copy documentation to the instructing client.
• Supporting the fee earners with the billing process to include preparing draft bills for approval and assisting with the relevant communications to distribute invoices.
• Preparing routine correspondence as instructed, providing support to fee earners in actioning incoming emails in a timely way and filing accordingly.

Person Specification

The criteria below will be assessed via application (A), interview (I) or both (A/I).

Essential Criteria

• Acts with integrity and discretion, recognising the importance of confidentiality when managing personal, client, or firm information (A/I)
• Ability to accurately record, organise, and maintain client and matter information using appropriate systems, ensuring information is accessible, secure, and supports the team efficiency (A/I)
• Communicates with clarity, sharing ideas appropriately, listening actively, and contributing to discussions that support effective decision-making and continuous improvement (A/I)
• Experience in taking ownership of tasks with responsible time management, attention to detail and professional responsibility (A/I)
• Brings a positive attitude and proactive approach to your role, helping to foster a respectful and inclusive workplace (A/I)

Desirable Criteria

• Able to demonstrate awareness of our purpose and how the role contributes to wider goals (I)
• May have experience working in a professional or client facing environment (A)

Technical Know How

• Proficient in using Microsoft 365 applications to organise tasks, manage time effectively and support collaborative working (essential) (A/I)