Private Client Legal Secretary

Clear IT Recruitment; Basildon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal recruitment agency is seeking a Private Client Legal Secretary to join a legal team in Basildon or Thurrock. The role involves providing essential support to fee earners in wills, probate, and estate planning, ensuring high levels of accuracy and confidentiality. Previous experience in a similar environment and excellent organisational skills are required. The firm offers competitive salary, holiday allowance, and a supportive working environment with opportunities for training.

Benefits

Competitive salary

23 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Opportunities for training and professional development

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Legal Secretary, preferably in private client or wills & probate environment.
• Excellent organisational ability with strong attention to detail.
• Discretion, confidentiality, and a client-focused attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide secretarial support using digital dictation systems.
• Transcribe and proofread legal documents and correspondence.
• Manage diary scheduling and arrange meetings.

Skills

Strong typing skills

Transcription accuracy

Legal document management

IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Tools

Digital dictation systems (e.g., bighand)

Case management systems

Job description

My client is searching for a Private Client Legal Secretary to join their team in either Thurrock or Basildon in Essex.

This role offers a key support function within a busy legal environment, providing administrative and secretarial assistance to fee earners handling wills, probate, estate planning, LPA, trusts, and related private client work.

As Legal Secretary, you will support one or more private client fee earners with high levels of accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism, contributing to excellent client service and departmental efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provide full secretarial support using digital dictation systems (or similar) to produce correspondence, legal documentation, and reports.
• Transcribe, proofread, and format letters, emails, wills, trusts, and other private client documents.
• Manage diary scheduling, arrange meetings, and coordinate appointments.
• Handle client enquiries by phone and email, take messages, and redirect calls appropriately.
• Maintain and update client files and case records, ensuring comprehensive, accurate and organised files.
• Assist with document production, scanning, filing (physical and electronic), photocopying, and pagination.
• Support fee earners in preparing client care letters, initial file opening, and closing formalities.
• Liaise with third parties (banks, court offices, HMRC, etc.) on behalf of fee earners.
• Occasionally assist with front-of-house duties: meeting and greeting clients, switchboard reception, and general administrative support.
• Work collaboratively with other secretarial and support staff to cover workload peaks.

About You

• Previous experience working as a Legal Secretary, preferably in a private client or wills & probate environment.
• Strong typing, transcription, and accuracy skills.
• Competence with digital dictation systems (e.g. bighand or equivalent) and legal document management.
• Good understanding of private client matters (Wills, Trusts, LPA, probate) is advantageous.
• Excellent organisational ability with strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• A professional and courteous manner on phone and in person.
• Discretion, confidentiality, and a client-focused attitude.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office, case management systems).

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 23 days' holiday plus bank holidays, with additional leave over Christmas
• Pension scheme and benefits package
• A supportive working environment, with opportunities for training and professional development
• Exposure to complex and rewarding private client work in an established firm

Should you have any questions or wish to apply please do not hesitate to contact Clear Legal Recruitment Limited.

Please Note: Due to the number of applications we receive we may be unable to respond to every application directly. If you have not heard from us within 3 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful