Legal Assistant – Private Client

Barwells Legal Limited; Peacehaven; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Birthday day off

Career development

Job summary

Barwells Legal Limited is seeking a dedicated Legal Assistant to support private client matters, including Wills, LPAs and Court of Protection, with high-quality admin and legal support to fee earners.

You will manage diaries, act as a first point of contact for clients and executors, and liaise with HMRC, banks and the Land Registry, ensuring deadlines are met and files are accurately maintained.

Qualifications

• Ideally experience as a Legal Assistant within a Private Client team.
• Confident liaising with clients and third parties with discretion.
• Organised with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Providing comprehensive diary management for fee earners, including arranging meetings and calls.
• Acting as a first point of contact for clients, executors and beneficiaries.
• Liaising with third parties including HMRC, banks and the Land Registry.
• Drafting standard correspondence, letters of authority and closure forms.
• Opening and closing electronic files in line with firm procedures.
• Collating and maintaining client and estate information.
• Logging and tracking documentation including wills and Probate Grants.
• Conducting bankruptcy searches and due diligence support.
• Supporting fee earners with meeting prep and business development.

Skills

Diary management

Client liaison

Attention to detail

Deadline driven

IT proficiency

Team player

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Full-time, although part-time applications will be considered In person

You will play an integral role in ensuring all private client matters including Wills, LPA’s and Court of Protection matters progress efficiently, providing high-quality administrative and legal support to fee earners while maintaining exceptional client service standards.

What you will be doing:

• Providing comprehensive diary management for fee earners, including arranging meetings and calls.
• Acting as a first point of contact for clients, executors and beneficiaries, handling enquiries with professionalism, discretion and empathy
• Liaising with third parties including HMRC, banks and the Land Registry
• Drafting standard correspondence, letters of authority and completing closure and encashment forms
• Opening and closing electronic files in accordance with firm procedures and regulatory requirements
• Collating and maintaining accurate client, beneficiary and estate information, including bank details and identification documentation
• Logging and tracking key documentation including wills and Grants of Probate, ensuring key deadlines are monitored
• Conducting bankruptcy searches and supporting due diligence processes
• Supporting fee earners with meeting preparation, document collation and business development activity where required

Who we are looking for:

• Ideally experience as a Legal Assistant within a Private Client team
• Confidence in liaising with clients and third parties, understanding the importance of sensitivity and confidentiality
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail
• Be comfortable managing multiple priorities and working to deadlines
• Have strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Demonstrate a professional, calm and client-focused approach
• Be a collaborative team player with a proactive and flexible attitude

Why you will enjoy working with Barwells:

• Competitive salary and benefits package with 25 days’ annual leave entitlement, plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata);
• A day’s holiday on your birthday!
• Supportive and friendly team culture; and
• Opportunity to grow and develop in a busy and varied role.