Legal Assistant

SE-Solicitors; Banbury; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Free parking

Cycle to work

Health and wellbeing program

Sick pay

Job summary

SE-Solicitors in Banbury is seeking a part-time Legal Assistant to join the Private Client team, supporting with client care and administration.

The role offers exposure to Wills & Trusts, estate planning, probate and powers of attorney, with a friendly team and support from experienced solicitors and directors. Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous administrative experience in a legal or professional services setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• High accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and in line with data protection.

Responsibilities

• Act as a first point of contact for clients by telephone, email and in person.
• Respond promptly to client enquiries, take messages and pass to the appropriate fee earner.
• Keep accurate records of client enquiries and messages on matter files.
• Arrange appointments and maintain fee earners’ diaries.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
• Open new client files and carry out due diligence and AML checks.
• Close files and ensure archiving and final correspondence are completed.
• Assist with probate applications and registrations of trusts.
• Prepare and submit documents to HM Land Registry and monitor progress.
• Maintain marketing and business development records for the department.
• Assist with financial administration, including billing and disbursements.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Organisational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Discretion with confidential info

Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel

Teamwork and independence

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Word/Outlook/Excel)

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a part time Legal Assistant to join our Private Client team in our Banbury office.

SE-Solicitors is consistently recognised as a high-ranking law firm in the Legal 500. The Private Client team has a particularly enviable reputation for all aspects of Private Client law including Wills & Trusts, Inheritance Tax Planning, Estate Planning, and Powers of Attorney.

We are a thriving and expanding legal practice based in North Oxfordshire. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients while fostering a supportive, inclusive, and enjoyable working environment where our people can achieve professional fulfilment.

Job Role

This varied role is a fantastic opportunity to work within a friendly and approachable team, working with highly experienced Secretaries, Solicitors, and Directors.

Responsibilities of the role would include, but are not limited to:

Client Care

• Act as a first point of contact for clients by telephone, email and in person.
• Respond to client enquiries promptly and professionally, taking accurate messages, identifying urgent issues and passing information to the appropriate fee earner where legal advice is required.
• Keep accurate records of client enquiries, telephone calls and messages on the relevant matter file.
• Arrange appointments and maintain fee earners’ diaries.
• Maintain confidentiality and always comply with data protection requirements.

Administrative Support

• Open new client files and carry out client due diligence and anti-money laundering checks.
• Close files in accordance with the firm’s procedures, ensuring final correspondence, storage arrangements and archiving requirements are completed.
• Scan, file, photocopy and archive documents as required.
• Assist with applications for Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration.
• Assist with probate applications using the online portal.
• Assist with registering trusts, trust administration and maintaining trust records.
• Monitor outstanding correspondence and follow up requests for information.
• Assist fee earners with preparing and submitting applications to HM Land Registry, including checking supporting documents and monitoring progress where required.
• Maintain monthly marketing and business development records, including details of networking activity and other business development undertaken by the department.
• Draft and prepare routine correspondence, attendance notes, file notes, forms and legal documents under supervision, ensuring documents are accurate, well-presented and saved correctly on the relevant matter file.
• Assist with financial administration, including preparing bills, recording disbursements, processing payments and supporting fee earners with time recording and matter balances where required.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Previous administrative experience, preferably within a legal or professional services environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and in accordance with data protection requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable (but not essential) Skills and Experience

• Previous experience within a Private Client or Probate department
• Knowledge of wills, probate, trusts and powers of attorney
• Experience using legal case management systems, document management systems or similar professional software.
• Regular events organised by the Social Committee.
• Company pension.
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme – gym discounts, virtual GP, financial advice, etc.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Health and Wellbeing program.
• Free parking.
• Sick pay.