Legal Assistant Paralegal

HTF Legal Ltd; Wetherby; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

HTF Legal Ltd in Wetherby is seeking an experienced Private Client/Legal Assistant to join a busy Private Client team. You will support a varied caseload of wills, probate, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney, providing high-quality administrative and technical assistance with proactive case progression and excellent client care.

You will prepare documentation for wills and estate planning, assist with probate applications and LPA/deputyship work, and help with client-facing

Qualifications

• Experience in private client or wills and probate support roles.
• Familiarity with wills, probate procedures and estate administration.
• Excellent client care and communication skills with sensitive matters.
• Experience undertaking AML checks and maintaining audit-ready records.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and case management support across wills, probate and LPO matters.
• Draft client care letters, engagement paperwork, wills, codicils and probate forms.
• Assist with probate applications and liaise with HM Courts & Tribunals Service and banks.
• Support estate administration tasks including asset identification and distributions.
• Conduct AML checks, verify identity and source of funds.
• Maintain case management records, track time and assist with billing.
• Respond to routine inquiries, arrange appointments and keep clients updated.
• Contribute to precedents, checklists and workflows for efficiency.
• Support training and mentoring of junior staff and participate in team meetings.

Skills

Private Client experience

Wills & Probate

Client care

AML checks

Tools

Case management systems

Office IT tools

Job description

Private Client/Legal Assistant

Wetherby

Permanent on site role

Salary DOE

We are seeking an experienced Private Client/Legal Assistant to join a busy, client-focused Private Client team based in Wetherby. The successful candidate will support a varied caseload of wills, probate, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney matters, providing high-quality administrative and technical assistance, proactive case progression and excellent client care within a collaborative firm that values technical competence, continuous professional development and high standards.

This role will involve preparing and managing documentation for wills and estate planning, assisting with probate applications and estate administration, supporting lasting powers of attorney and deputyship work, and assisting with client-facing tasks such as client care and AML checks. The post offers opportunities for professional development, involvement in process improvement and hybrid working after successful completion of the probationary period.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive administrative and case management support across wills, probate and lasting powers of attorney matters from instruction through to completion, ensuring timely progression, accurate documentation and excellent client service.
• Draft and prepare documentation including client care letters, engagement paperwork, wills, codicils, probate application forms, estate administration documents, HMRC forms and correspondence under supervision.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of probate applications, liaise with HM Courts & Tribunals Service, banks, solicitors and third parties to collect information and progress matters.
• Support the management of estate administration tasks including asset identification, valuation, distribution of assets, payment of liabilities and the preparation of estate accounts under senior oversight.
• Undertake client care and AML checks, verify identity and source of funds, maintain audit-ready file records and ensure compliance with the firm’s risk, file management and regulatory procedures.
• Maintain and update case management systems, including opening files, recording time accurately, amd assisting with billing and preparing fee estimates where required.
• Provide excellent client communication by responding to routine enquiries, arranging appointments, taking detailed instructions and keeping clients updated on progress in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by developing and maintaining precedents, checklists and workflows; identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the client experience.
• Provide support to colleagues and assist with training and mentoring of more junior staff where appropriate; participate in team meetings and knowledge-sharing to foster a supportive environment.

Key skills and experience required:

• Proven experience in a Private Client or wills and probate support role, with at least 12 months relevant experience.
• Familiarity with wills, probate procedures, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney; practical knowledge of probate applications and HMRC forms is desirable.
• Excellent client care and communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive matters, manage expectations and maintain professional relationships with clients and third parties.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail; ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work to deadlines within a busy caseload.
• Experience of undertaking AML checks, identity verification and maintaining audit-ready file records in line with regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with case management systems and standard office IT applications; willingness to adopt and help embed digital workflows and precedents.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, support colleagues and contribute positively to firm culture; professional discretion and confidentiality are essential.
• Commitment to CPD and professional development within private client practice and to providing client-focused legal services.