Residential Property Paralegal

Austin Fraser; Northampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Residential Property Paralegal with a strong background in sales, purchases, and refinancing for freehold and leasehold properties. Experience with plot sales would be advantageous.

The ideal candidate will have excellent organisational and drafting skills, with the ability to manage a busy caseload and work under pressure. This is a great opportunity to join a supportive team and further develop your career in residential property law.

Please note, this is a fully office-based role.

The Firm:

Award-winning, multi-accredited and ranked in the Legal 200 and 500, our client is well-known as a fantastic firm to work for and with. Investing in internal talent and giving back to their communities, they have built an enviable reputation amongst peers and clients alike. Attracting clients and lawyers in all sectors, they provide commercially viable advice and support continued development and progression throughout their team.

Responsibilities:

1. Reviewing and providing advice on property titles, searches, and supporting documentation.
2. Raising and responding to enquiries, and collaborating with senior lawyers where necessary.
3. Preparing contract documentation, including obtaining title documents from the Land Registry; while substantive drafting is not required, you should have a solid understanding of the documents to manage minor amendments and enquiries, referring any substantial changes to senior lawyers.
4. Drafting Reports on Title and Search Reports for clients, including lender clients.
5. Preparing Mortgage Reports.
6. Competence in completing SDLT/LTT, AP1/FR1, and MR01/MR04 forms.
7. Identifying and obtaining quotes for relevant indemnity insurance policies.
8. Handling the exchange of contracts, completion processes, and related documentation.
9. Delivering a professional and proactive service to clients, including maintaining and updating trackers in the specified format and timescales, as well as attending occasional client meetings or training sessions.
10. Working collaboratively within the team to ensure seamless handling of matters during colleague absences and keeping the designated client relationship manager informed of progress and any arising issues.
11. Drafting clear, concise, and professional day-to-day correspondence (via telephone, email, and letters) with clients and other legal professionals.
12. Accurately recording time (for selected matters), reviewing monthly account reports and matter budgets, and consulting with the client relationship manager regarding potential fee uplifts where appropriate.
13. Preparing completion statements and processing billing.
14. Attending and contributing to marketing events as required.
15. Promoting the Firm and its full range of services during networking opportunities or events.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Professional legal qualification (Law Degree, Paralegal, or CILEX) - desirable but not essential.
2. Experience in residential property law, with a strong understanding of the conveyancing process and the CQS Scheme.
3. Ability to manage an independent caseload efficiently.
4. Strong drafting and proofreading skills.
5. Intermediate to advanced proficiency in IT and online systems, including Microsoft Office, legal document management systems, online portals, and data rooms.
6. Commercial, practical, and financial awareness.
7. Confidence and ability to communicate effectively at senior levels.
8. Strong academic background.
9. Excellent interpersonal and marketing skills, with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships for both the team and the firm.
10. A collaborative approach, fitting well into a friendly yet fast-paced team.
11. Strong organisational skills.
12. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines associated with residential conveyancing.

This role comes with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. You'll receive 24 days of holiday, increasing to 26 in line with company policy, plus an additional three days of non-contractual leave for the Christmas shutdown. The package also includes a 4% employer pension contribution, BUPA private health cover, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme. Additionally, you'll benefit from an Income Protection Scheme, Death in Service cover, and access to Perkbox/Benefits Hub for exclusive perks and discounts.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL (INCLUDING SPAM FOLDER) FOR CONFIRMATION YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED.