Private Client Legal Assistant – Two Roles, Exeter and Sidmouth Offices

Everys; Sidmouth, Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking a motivated Private Client Legal Assistant to join their expanding team in either the Exeter or Sidmouth offices. This role involves supporting fee earners, managing private client files, and maintaining effective client relationships. The ideal candidate will possess excellent IT and typing skills, alongside a strong educational background. This opportunity promises a collaborative environment within a rapidly growing firm.

Qualifications

• Good educational record with quick and efficient typing skills.
• Excellent IT skills to include the use of case management software.
• Strong focus on developing professional client relationships.
• Ability to meet financial and non-financial targets.
• Demonstrate ability to follow compliance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support a dedicated fee earner within the Private Client Team.
• Assist in managing and progressing Private Client files.
• Provide administrative support including document preparation.
• Liaise with clients and third-party organisations effectively.
• Manage diaries and appointments.

Skills

Typing skills

IT skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Relationship management

Time management

Education

Good educational record

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Private Client Legal Assistant – Two Roles, Exeter and Sidmouth Offices

Private Client Legal Assistant – Two Roles, Exeter and Sidmouth Offices

Private Client work is a key area of practice at Everys. Our clients including farmers, landowners and High Net Worth Individuals which gives us a client base to rival any firm in the South West. Our Private Client Department deals with a broad range of work and comprises 43 members of staff; including both fee earning and support staff. We are proud of our team ethos with everyone working together to achieve a high-quality service for clients and colleagues.

The Role

Owing to the continuing volume of high-quality work we are currently looking for bright, organised and motivated Legal Assistants to join our Private Client Department. There are two roles, one based in the Exeter office, and the other in the Sidmouth office.

The successful candidates will play an important role in supporting the ongoing growth and development of the Private Client Department, contributing to both its activities and the expansion of client work and fee income.

You will need to work effectively with clients, and other members of both the Private Client Department and the wider office. You will be expected to deal professionally and efficiently with a wide range of work under supervision whilst complying with procedures and working practices.

The role will include providing administrative support to a dedicated fee earner with the production of documents and correspondence through use of our case management system.

Key Responsibilities

To primarily support and assist a dedicated fee earner within the Private Client Team in administering and progressing (under appropriate supervision and according to experience ) Private Client files (and other surrounding activities as appropriate), which may include:

• Typing and preparation of documents via use of the dictation and other software.
• Liaising with clients by telephone, written communications and in person.
• Liaising with third party organisations by telephone and written communications.
• Assisting with management of diaries and appointments.
• File opening, maintenance, and closing.
• Ability to undertake administrative duties, including scanning, filing and overseeing incoming and outgoing post.
• Handling and ensuring safe storage of original documents.
• Typing/Preparing letters, completing required forms and other documents on Probate files.
• Typing/preparing Wills, Powers of Attorneys and related correspondence.
• Typing/preparing other letters and documents using case management software.
• Home/property visits (driving licence preferred but not essential).
• Time recording.

Skills/Knowledge/Experience

You must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Good educational record with quick and efficient typing skills.
• Excellent IT skills to include the use of case management software.
• Experience of working in a private client department undertaking this nature of work would be preferable.
• A focus on developing and maintaining professional and effective client relationships at all levels, with excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• A flexible approach and the capability to work well and flourish within a team environment.
• Ability to work effectively with other colleagues internally, both within the wider team and across all practice areas and offices.
• Ability to meet financial and non-financial targets together with other broader objectives set for successful performance of this role.
• Demonstrate ability to follow procedures in accordance with professional body requirements; for example, Lexcel compliance, and firm’s internal procedures together with meeting all compliance and quality targets.
• A flexible and enthusiastic approach which demonstrates commercial awareness and business aptitude in making decisions on a day to day basis.
• The ability to undertake research, produce required reports and deal with complex documents.
• Clear, concise and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to produce work which is accurate and presented in a well ordered manner.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Forward thinking with a willingness to embrace changing working practices and pro-actively get involved in the continuous improvement of services, products and processes.
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritise effectively.

A full Driving Licence together with access to a car is preferred as you will need to be able to work from different locations as the business need requires and to meet with clients and their other professional advisors at any of our offices or their premises.

The firm has been rapidly expanding in recent years, with a merger in 2022, our new Tiverton office opening in January 2024, and several promotions and lateral hires. In June 2023 we won the DASLS Law Firm of the Year award ( £3M+ turnover ). There is a real “feel good factor” and staff say they really enjoy working here.

This is an excellent opportunity to become an integral member of our Private Client Department and to thrive in a professional and friendly environment. If you are looking for a new challenge please send your CV to [e-mail] .