Estates and Legal Assistant

SHORTS; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A long-established firm of accountants in Chesterfield is seeking a detail-oriented Estates & Legal Assistant to support their Private Client team. The role involves assisting in estate planning, drafting legal documents, and collaborating closely with clients and internal teams. Ideal candidates should have strong communication skills and a background in law or paralegal work. The firm offers a supportive culture with training opportunities and a focus on work-life balance.

Benefits

True work-life balance

Free parking & TOIL

25 days holiday

Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave

Mental Health First Aiders & Employee Assistance Programme

Ongoing training and development support

Collaborative culture with long-term career progression

Qualifications

• Experience in Will drafting or private client legal work is desirable.
• Client-facing or administrative experience is preferred.
• Exposure to legal, financial, or estate-related work is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney under supervision.
• Support the preparation and submission of probate applications.
• Gather and verify asset and liability information for estate administration.
• Maintain accurate client records and case files.
• Communicate professionally with clients and third parties.
• Liaise with internal teams for smooth estate-related processes.
• Contribute to process improvements and client service initiatives.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong attention to detail

Highly organized

Professional and empathetic approach

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

Law Degree (LLB) or equivalent paralegal certification

GCSEs/A-Levels

Job description

About Shorts

Shorts is a long-established, independent firm of accountants and business advisers with offices in Chesterfield and Sheffield. We’ve been supporting ambitious businesses and individuals across the region for over 135 years. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding client service, with specialist expertise in Tax, Corporate Finance, Audit, and Private Client work. Our people are at the heart of what we do, which is why we invest in a culture of collaboration, continuous development, and flexibility. Our award-winning Private Client team are specialists in trusts, wills, estate planning and personal tax and our service is market-leading and award winning.

• Best Private Client Tax Practice – Tolley's Taxation Awards 2020
• Best Employer in Tax – Tolley's Taxation Awards 2022

Role Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and client-focused Estates & Legal Assistant to join our growing Private Client team. This role is ideal for an individual looking to build a career in estate planning and private client services within a professional accountancy environment.

You will play a key role in supporting the Estates team to deliver high-quality services to our clients. This includes assisting with the preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), estate planning, and other private client legal work. The position offers hands-on experience in estate administration, with full training and development opportunities, including the chance to begin your STEP certification.

Working closely with Executors, Trustees, and family members, you will help structure clients’ affairs in line with their wishes. Collaboration with internal departments and external professionals will be essential to provide a seamless, joined-up client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting Wills and LPAs under supervision.
• Support the preparation and submission of probate applications.
• Gather and verify asset and liability information for estate administration.
• Maintain accurate client records and case files in compliance with data protection and firm policies.
• Communicate with clients, beneficiaries, and third parties professionally and empathetically.
• Liaise with internal teams to ensure smooth handling of estate-related matters.
• Contribute to process improvements and client service initiatives.

Skills / Experience / Qualifications

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex matters clearly.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in document preparation.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Professional, empathetic approach when dealing with clients and sensitive matters.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning new digital systems.

Experience

• Desirable - Experience in Will drafting / private client legal work
• Client-facing or administrative role
• Desirable - Exposure to legal, financial, or estate-related work

Qualifications

• Legal or Paralegal Qualification: Law Degree (LLB) Legal Practice Course (LPC) or equivalent paralegal certification
• ATT qualification combined with relevant experience in private client or estate work.
• Commitment to professional development – full support provided for STEP certification.
• GCSEs/A-Levels: Strong academic foundation, particularly in English and Math’s

Why Join Shorts?

At Shorts, we genuinely care about our people. Here’s a taste of what we offer:

• True work-life balance – Extended core hours policy, minimal overtime, and flexibility
• Free parking & TOIL (Time Off in Lieu for extra hours)
• 25 days holiday + buy/sell up to 5 more + extra for long service
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave
• Mental Health First Aiders & Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and development support
• A people-first, collaborative culture with long-term career progression

Get in touch with Laura Collins, our Talent Acquisition Manager, right here on LinkedIn or via email at [e-mail].