Paralegal - Private Client

Smart Recruitment; Saint Helier; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Recruitment is seeking an International Private Client paralegal to support partners and associates in Jersey. The role blends legal research, drafting assistance, and practice support, with emphasis on CDD coordination, billing and CRM hygiene.

Applicants should have a basic legal environment background, strong IT skills, and a proactive client-centric approach, and be willing to learn Jersey law to support the IPC team effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum education as stated, high school or higher.
• Experience in a legal environment is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to learn Jersey law.

Responsibilities

• Review and summarise legal and supporting documents.
• Conduct legal research and analysis with clear notes and conclusions.
• Assist drafting documents using precedents and templates.
• Check documents for accuracy including names, dates, references.
• Assist in preparing client reports and correspondence.
• Attend client meetings to take notes and circulate actions.
• Coordinate drafting and signature logistics under guidance.
• Maintain filing and CRM hygiene, and matter records up to date.
• Support billing processes including drafting bills and tracking WIP.
• Support marketing and business development activities as needed.
• Take ownership of tasks to keep the practice running efficiently.

Skills

Legal environment experience

Research and drafting support

Strong IT skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Willingness to learn Jersey law

Education

High school or degree level educated

Tools

Document management systems

Job description

Our International Private Client (IPC) team advise on a complete range of private wealth structures, including trusts, foundation companies, family investment companies and partnerships, and family offices, as well as all legal services required by high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals and families.
This role will provide high-quality paralegal and practice support to partners and associates, helping the IPC team deliver excellent client service by combining legal support (research, document work, drafting assistance) with practice support (matter administration, CDD coordination, billing support, CRM hygiene and business development logistics).
The role requires strong organisation, attention to detail, good judgement on priorities, and a proactive, client-centric mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and summarise legal and supporting documents (e.g., trust/company documents, correspondence bundles, diligence packs).
• Conduct legal research and analysis, producing clear research notes with sources and practical conclusions for partner/associate review.
• Assist with drafting a range of documents using precedents and templates (e.g., routine resolutions, letters, checklists, simple first drafts), escalating issues/complexity early.
• Check legal documents for accuracy, including consistency, names, dates, execution blocks, formatting and cross-references.
• Assist in preparing reports and correspondence for clients and advisers.
• Attend client meetings/calls with partners/associates to take accurate notes and circulate action points promptly.
• Prepare draft execution packs (including completion checklists and draft documents for review), and coordinate signature logistics under partner/associate direction.
• Maintain system-based filing and document management, ensuring documents are saved consistently and retrievable.
• Assist with file opening and CDD requirements, tracking CDD progress, chasing outstanding items, and keeping the matter record up to date.
• Support document production tasks required for transactions and client deliverables (e.g., compiling bundles, producing clean/signature versions).
• Coordinate the billing process on behalf of the team: gathering narratives/time details, preparing draft bills (where applicable), monitoring WIP, chasing approvals, and liaising with finance to progress billing to issue.
• Help the team maintain good billing discipline and visibility over matter status (e.g., matter lists, key dates, upcoming bills).
• Keep the client relationship management (CRM) system updated with contacts, interaction notes and key details, in line with team standards.
• Support the team's marketing and business development plans, including arranging events and off-island trips, managing travel and accommodation logistics, and ensuring events/presentations run smoothly.
• Take responsibility for a broad range of tasks/projects as required to support partners/associates and keep the practice running efficiently.

Qualifications

• High school or degree level educated
• A paralegal qualification/course is helpful but not essential

Knowledge/skills/experience

• Some previous experience in a legal environment, ideally in a similar role
• Strong IT skills and confidence working across matter management/document systems (document management experience is useful)
• Excellent written and verbal communication and strong interpersonal skills
• Willingness and ability to learn about Jersey law

Competencies

We would like you to have:

• Organisational/time management skills and the ability to prioritise and manage a workload effectively within deadlines
• A responsible, disciplined and methodical approach and a keen eye for detail
• The ability to use initiative to resolve issues and to work independently with an appropriate level of supervision
• Flexibility, energy and enthusiasm

In this role you will be expected to:

• Behave in a manner in keeping with our core culture and values.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures and regulations including those around anti-money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Commit to fulfilling any personal CPD requirements and continually developing your skills and knowledge.