Private Client Paralegal

We are looking for a talented and motivated Private Client Paralegal to join our highly recommended Private Client team in Whitechapel.

The role offers the opportunity to support our Fee Earners in handling a diverse range of Private Client matters. The team is looking to expand, and the right candidate should have a keen interest in this area of law.

About the Probate Team

The Private Client team is based at our office in Whitechapel and consists of two Private Client Solicitors, including a Head of Private Client. The Successful candidate will be based at our Whitechapel office but may need to attend our Clapham Junction office depending on the clients requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with the preparation of legal documents, including:
• Wills
• Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
• Trust documentation
• Deeds of Severance / Notices of Severance
• Preparing and submitting applications to the Office of the Public Guardian as well as managing the registration process and tracking progress
• Coordinating the execution of Wills and LPA's
• Supporting with probate and estate administration matters, including:
• Drafting probate applications
• Preparing inheritance tax forms (e.g. IHT205/IHT400)
• Collating asset and liability information
• Liaising with banks, HMRC and other institutions
• Assisting with applications to the HM Courts & Tribunals Service (Probate Registry), including:
• Preparing grant applications
• Uploading documents via the online probate portal
• Liaising with clients, beneficiaries, executors, attorneys and third parties in a professional and empathetic manner
• Managing file administration, including:
• Opening and closing files
• Ensuring compliance with AML and client due diligence requirements
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records
• Saving all correspondence to the case management system
• Assisting fee earners with client calls including new enquiries
• Assisting fee earners client onboarding, including ID verification and initial information gathering
• Drafting routine correspondence and attendance notes
• Monitoring key dates and deadlines (e.g. LPA registrations, probate timelines, trust administration tasks)
• Post, scanning and document management
• Preparing engrossments and arranging execution of documents
• Binding and storage of Wills

Skills / Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year experience in a Private Client role
• Ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with the firm's client group and other professional contacts.
• Excellent written communication skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise and work efficiently under pressure
• Previous paralegal or legal work experience ideally within wills, probate, trusts, or related areas
• Previous experience dealing with a case management system.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday, increasing to 28 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years
• Birthday day off
• Bonus Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health Cashback Plan
• Length of service awards