Paralegal - Wills, Trusts & Probate

Hireful; Bristol; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

Contract: Permanent, Full time
Location: Davies and Partners Solicitors, 250 Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TR
Salary: Competitive
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Davies and Partners Solicitors is a well-established law firm with over 30 years’ experience. It has a national reputation for excellence in the Property sector and strength in depth in a wide selection of other legal services for businesses & individuals. There are 5 offices in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Devon and Gloucester.

Reporting Line

This role reports to the Head of Department (Legal Director) in Bristol

Job Purpose

To provide a full and efficient personal assistant/paralegal service to the fee earner exercising confidentiality and client care at all times. The jobholder must possess excellent word processing and audio typing skills and organisational skills must be excellent. Confidence to liaise with clients as first point of call often after a death is essential.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Open files to include complying with money laundering regulations for ID.
2. Audio typing of letters/documents/reports as dictated by the fee earner and compiling enclosures including photocopying and scanning.
3. Scanning and labelling correspondence/documents received onto DPS and filing on paper files.
4. Preparing invoices based on fixed fees or hourly rate as dictated by fee earner and monitor outstanding debt.
5. Liaising with patience with clients who are often at a very difficult point in their lives.
6. Preparing LPA’s to include drafting and registration based on instructions obtained by fee earner.
7. When required do home visits with fee earner for wills/probate/LPA matters.
8. Carry out land registry searches/bankruptcy searches/apply for s27 notices online.
9. Provide assistance to clients and other professionals in fee earner’s absence.
10. Taking telephone calls, passing on messages and liaising with fee earners.
11. Contact clients and arrange meetings.
12. Ensure files are kept tidy and filing is up to date (both electronic and hard copy).
13. Photocopy and store Wills and LPA’s and ensure both databases are kept updated.
14. Close files when matter is completed. Check there is a nil balance with accounts; confirm destruction date with fee earner.
15. Willingness to assist other secretaries with workload in other departments as required.
16. Keen and quick to learn legal procedures/relevant law if not overly familiar with certain aspects of job (fee earner would provide guidance and assistance).
17. Assist with covering on the office Reception desk at times of holidays and sickness.

Compliance

As part of our compliance procedures, applicants are asked to note that:

1. references will be followed up;
2. all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily;
3. proof of identity and (where applicable) qualifications will be required;
4. reference requests will ask specifically whether the applicant has ever been subject to any proceedings/complaints initiated by the Law Society or any other professional body;
5. appropriate suitability checks may be required prior to confirmation of appointment.

This role meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role will require applicants who are offered employment to be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions.

Equal Opportunities

Davies and Partners Solicitors provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable national laws. Davies and Partners Solicitors complies with applicable national laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Person Specification

Essential

1. Right to live and work in the UK, e.g. valid UK passport or appropriate visa/work permits.
2. Minimum Score 5 or above (Grade C) GCSE’s in English and Maths.
3. Law Degree or equivalent.
4. Paralegal in a fast-paced Legal environment.
5. The ability to do audio typing.
6. Self-organised and proactive.
7. Attention to detail.
8. Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
9. Adaptable to the needs of the business as changes occur during the operational requirements.
10. Competence in the effective use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT).
11. The ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
12. Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
13. Proven ability in Business Development to effectively build the department.

Desirable

1. Knowledge and experience of working within the Wills & Probate (Private Client) discipline.

You may also have experience in the following roles: Legal Assistant, Legal Executive, Legal Secretary, Paralegal, Legal Advisor, Legal Support Officer, Legal Administrator, Law Clerk, Legal Aid Worker, Legal Officer, Legal Case Worker, Legal Caseworker, etc.

REF-220 889