Legal Secretary - Residential Property

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive secretarial support, including typing correspondence, legal documents, client care letters, and court forms as required.
• Manage incoming and outgoing post, email and telephone enquiries professionally and promptly; prioritise and redirect matters to fee earners where necessary.
• Open and maintain matter files on the case management system, ensuring files are up to date, properly indexed and time is recorded accurately.
• Prepare and collate transaction paperwork such as contracts, completion statements, SDLT returns and transfer deeds; ensure accurate version control and timely distribution to clients and third parties.
• Arrange and track property searches, obtain and lodge documentation with Land Registry and other third party providers, and assist with post completion registration tasks.
• Support AML and client identification procedures by assisting with ID checks, AML records and ensuring compliance with firm procedures.
• Monitor and progress matters by diarising key dates (exchange, completion, mortgage deadlines), chasing outstanding information and updating clients on status in line with fee earner instructions.
• Assist with the preparation of completion funds transfers, liaise with banks, mortgage brokers and estate agents on completion logistics, and draft completion statements as required.
• Provide general administrative support including arranging meetings, booking rooms, filing (electronic and physical), scanning and maintaining office stationery and supplies.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a legal secretary or conveyancing assistant within a law firm or conveyancing practice, preferably supporting a residential property team.
• Strong secretarial skills including high speed, accurate typing, excellent attention to detail and good numeracy for preparing financial documentation.
• Proven ability to use case management systems, Land Registry portal, online search providers and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Good understanding of residential conveyancing processes (sales, purchases, remortgages) and basic knowledge of AML/client ID requirements.
• Confident verbal and written communication skills with a professional manner in dealing with clients, fee earners and external parties.
• Highly organised, able to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Team player with a proactive attitude and a willingness to develop technical conveyancing knowledge and progress within the firm.