Legal Assistant Private Client

JMC Legal Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A legal recruitment agency in the UK seeks a part-time Legal Assistant to support private client legal work. The role focuses on estate administration and involves liaising with banks and external institutions. Ideal candidates will have experience in private client law, estate administration, and a calm approach in client interactions. This opportunity offers a flexible work schedule in a supportive environment, ideal for those seeking part-time hours with long-term client relationships.

Benefits

Flexible working days

Supportive professional environment

Qualifications

• Prior experience in private client legal work.
• Comfortable supporting probate and estate matters.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support estate administration matters from start to finish.
• Liaise with banks and financial institutions.
• Prepare and submit Inheritance Tax (IHT) returns.
• Manage applications and correspondence with the Probate Registry.
• Assist with wills drafting and amendments.

Skills

Estate administration

Client communication

Organisational skills

Confidence preparing documentation

Job description

Part-Time (3 days per week) | Hybrid | Surrey

The Company

An established and highly regarded wealth management and financial planning business based in Surrey is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to support its private client and estate planning services. The firm advises approximately 500 private clients, primarily older and high-net-worth individuals and families, providing a joined‑up service across investments, financial planning, tax advice, estate planning, wills, trusts and probate. Many clients view the firm as a family office‑style adviser, relying on long‑term, trusted relationships rather than transactional support. The business is well established yet continuing to grow and invest in its professional services offering.

Your Role

This is a part‑time role (3 days per week) supporting the firm's private client legal work. You will work closely with the Private Client Solicitor and wider advisory team, playing a key role in delivering a high‑quality, detail‑driven service to clients. The role offers flexibility around working days and would suit an experienced legal assistant or probate secretary looking for part‑time hours in a stable, professional environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting estate administration matters from start to finish
• Liaising with banks, financial institutions and third parties
• Preparing and submitting Inheritance Tax (IHT) returns
• Managing applications and correspondence with the Probate Registry
• Preparing documentation for Powers of Attorney
• Assisting with wills drafting and amendments
• Maintaining accurate client files and case management records
• Acting as a professional point of contact for clients and their families

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have prior experience in private client legal work and be comfortable supporting probate and estate matters with minimal supervision. You will ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Legal Assistant / Legal Secretary within private client law
• Practical experience of estate administration and probate
• Familiarity with IHT returns and probate processes
• Experience liaising with banks and external institutions
• Confidence preparing documentation for wills and Powers of Attorney
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• A calm, empathetic approach when dealing with clients and bereaved families

Working Arrangements & Package

• Part-time: 3 days per week (flexible choice of days)
• Supportive, professional and low‑pressure working environment
• High‑quality client work with long‑term relationships