Private Client Paralegal – Newton Abbot

FQPS Academy Ltd.; Highweek; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard & Over in Newton Abbot is seeking a motivated Private Client Paralegal to join our friendly team at the Newton Abbot office. The role offers a clear path to progression, including potential to become a Trainee Solicitor, with responsibilities spanning client work and professional development.

The successful candidate will draft documents, manage client files, and support fee earners while maintaining high professional standards and ensuring deadlines are met.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Organised, reliable and able to manage a varied workload.

Responsibilities

• Draft correspondence and legal documents under supervision.
• Use Probate Registry Portal, Land Registry Portal, and HMRC services to submit applications.
• Attend client meetings and take instructions.
• Open, manage and close client files in line with procedures.
• Ensure matters meet court and client deadlines.

Job description

Newton Abbot Office
Location: Newton Abbot Office
Type of Role: Full-time
Salary: Competitive
We are seeking a motivated and personable Private Client Paralegal to join our friendly and supportive team, based at our Newton Abbot office. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start or develop a career within a professional legal environment, with genuine scope for progression, including potential to become a Trainee Solicitor. The ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a professional and approachable manner, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The successful candidates will be organised, reliable, and capable of managing a varied workload while supporting colleagues across the department.

Purpose of the Role

To assist fee earners and, where appropriate, advise and represent the firm’s clients.
To contribute to the growth and success of the firm by delivering a high-quality, professional legal service and maintaining the firm’s strong reputation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Draft correspondence and legal documents under the supervision of a Partner.
• Use online systems such as the Probate Registry Portal, Land Registry Portal, and HMRC services to submit applications on behalf of clients.
• Attend client meetings, take instructions, and act upon them under appropriate supervision.
• Provide legal advice to clients in a professional and effective manner.
• Handle incoming calls and enquiries, take messages, schedule appointments, and ensure fee earners are kept informed.
• Open, manage, and close client files, ensuring all records are accurate, organised, and maintained in accordance with the firm’s procedures.
• Progress client matters efficiently, ensuring correspondence and documentation are handled promptly.
• Ensure all matters are dealt with within relevant deadlines, including those imposed by courts, tribunals, or client requirements.
• Act in accordance with client instructions, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and professional standards.
• Maintain accurate records of work undertaken to support billing and profitability.
• Keep up to date with legal developments through training and professional reading.
• Comply with all regulations set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Law Society, including continuing professional development requirements.
• Conduct yourself at all times in a manner that upholds the reputation of the firm and the legal profession.
• Undertake any other duties of a similar level as required by the Partners.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for proactive and motivated individuals with strong written and verbal communication skills, a professional yet approachable manner, and excellent organisational abilities. You should be confident managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a high level of attention to detail, alongside a genuine willingness to learn and develop your career.

What You Can Expect from a Role at Howard & Over

At Howard & Over, we foster an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative working environment where individuals are encouraged to grow and succeed. You can expect exposure to a broad range of private client work, along with opportunities for training and career progression. We place great value on teamwork and a positive working atmosphere, making this an ideal opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career within a respected and award-winning firm.

QWE

Will this role count as your QWE, and who will confirm it?

Check it against the SRA’s questions in two minutes. If there is no COLP or solicitor where you work, the SRA lets a solicitor outside confirm it: an FQPS solicitor can, from £149.