Legal Assistant -Private Client

AJ Chambers ®; St Albans; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

AJ Chambers in St Albans is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to join a busy Private Client team. You will support the Team Leader and handle a varied caseload with Wills, LPAs, Estates and Trusts, while delivering a high level of client service.

Key duties include taking client instructions, drafting wills and legal documents, filing, AML checks, diary management and coordinating appointments with clients and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Experience in Private Client work within a law firm.
• Strong administrative or legal secretarial skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Great organisation and ability to manage priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Taking client instructions and progressing matters under the guidance of the Team Leader.
• Drafting Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, legal statements and other legal documents.
• Assisting with the administration of Estates and Trusts.
• Maintaining accurate client files and progressing matters efficiently.
• Completing probate administration and updating probate systems.
• Opening and closing files and AML checks.
• Providing professional communication with clients and taking messages.
• Managing diaries and coordinating appointments.
• Preparing correspondence and documents.
• Liaising with clients, lawyers, accounts and other departments.
• Assisting with billing and time recording.
• Keeping client records up to date.

Skills

Private Client experience

Excellent communication

Attention to detail

Organization

Client liaison

Education

Relevant legal qualifications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal case management systems

Job description

AJ Chambers are working with a growing but highly established Regional Law Firm based in St Albans to assist them in hiring an experienced Legal Assistant to join a busy Private Client team. This is a varied role supporting the Team Leader and wider department, while taking responsibility for progressing client matters and providing a high level of client service.

The Role

You will manage an allocated caseload under the direction of the Team Leader, supporting with a range of Private Client matters including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Estates and Trusts.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking client instructions and progressing matters under the guidance of the Team Leader.
• Drafting Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, legal statements and other legal documents.
• Assisting with the administration of Estates and Trusts.
• Maintaining accurate and well-organised client files and ensuring matters are progressed efficiently.
• Completing probate administration, including updating probate systems and preparing relevant forms and reports.
• Opening and closing files, including carrying out AML and other required checks.
• Providing professional and friendly communication with clients, dealing with queries and taking accurate messages and file notes.
• Managing diaries, arranging meetings and coordinating internal and external appointments.
• Preparing correspondence and documents, including typing and proofreading where required.
• Liaising with clients, lawyers, Accounts and other departments to ensure matters progress smoothly.
• Assisting with billing, time recording, disbursements and general financial administration.
• Keeping client records and contact information up to date.
• Assisting with the management and archiving of files.
• Maintaining accurate records of Wills, deeds and other important legal documents.
• Providing general administrative and secretarial support to the Private Client team as required.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and providing cover and assistance when needed.

About You

Ideally, you will have previous experience working within a Private Client team in a law firm, although candidates with relevant legal qualifications and strong administrative or legal secretarial experience will also be considered.

You will have:

• A genuine interest in Private Client work and a good understanding of legal processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail with accurate typing and document preparation skills.
• Excellent organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• The confidence to communicate professionally with clients and colleagues at all levels.
• A proactive and client-focused approach.
• The ability to work independently while also being a strong team player.
• Good IT skills and confidence using legal systems and Microsoft Office.
• The ability to remain calm and organised when working under pressure.
• Good initiative and the ability to follow instructions accurately.
• A professional, approachable and helpful manner.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within Private Client, working as part of an established and supportive legal team.

For further information please contact Ella Britton