Legal Assistant - Private Client

Legal Assistant - Private Client

Hours	Full-Time, 9.30am-5.30pm
Department	Private Client in Putney

We are seeking a confident, proactive, flexible, enthusiastic, self-motivated and professional full time Legal Assistant / Paralegal to provide support to our Private Client team based in Putney.

We are the go-to Private Client team for HNW and UHNW individuals and families in South West London and beyond. We are known for our high calibre lawyers, our breadth of technical expertise and our terrific client service.  We are the team of choice for cross-border planning and estate work in London, particularly in relation to France, Spain and Italy due to our extensive dual qualified offering.

We provide a broad variety of non-contentious private client legal advice which is mainly focused on estate planning to include the preparation of Wills and IHT advice, estate administration (probate), mental capacity advice including powers of attorney and trust creation, administration and advice.  We also provide tax advice across the spectrum of private client affairs and have an expert inhouse tax and accounts team.

The candidate should have an interest in private client work at least, even if they have little or no experience in this practice area.

They will assist and support all the members of the private client team on a variety of matters.

We have a wide client base including high net worth multi-jurisdictional individuals and families, business owners and entrepreneurs and family offices.

The work is varied and can be fast paced. Much of the work of our Legal Assistants is fairly process based, but there will be scope to progress and deal with more complex issues.

The team has as strong reputation for cross border and international work. Fluency in a European language, especially French, Italian or Spanish, would be a bonus, but is not a requirement.

The Role :

• Fee earner undertaking chargeable work with a personal time recording and fee target.
• Expectation to carry out non-chargeable work in addition to the chargeable work. This may include, but is not limited to, providing assistance with marketing activities, supporting new joiners and other team members, and undertaking appropriate training.
• Excellent literacy, numeracy, accuracy and attention to detail, with excellent keyboard and IT skills are a requirement
• Enthusiasm and energy are expected to allow them to make a full contribution to the dynamic operation of the team.
• Taking responsibility for their own success, seeking continuously to improve their own skills and to provide good value to clients in the legal services they provide.
• Operate under the responsibility of a designated partner who will be their line manager.  Legal work will be provided and supervised by multiple members of the private client team.
• Be prepared to participate fully in training and activities designed for Legal Assistants across the firm.

Personal Characteristics:

The candidate will be a graduate with a minimum of 2:1 and excellent A level grades, ideally with some academic legal qualification, or some practical legal training.

• Whilst the successful candidate will receive close supervision and support from experienced solicitors, they will be required to manage their workload autonomously.
• Strong organisational and time management skills are required, as the role will involve the efficient and cost-effective management of multiple files, working to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, especially telephone skills, are essential to demonstrate understanding of our clients’ needs and expectations and when communicating with colleagues.
• Focused attention to detail, speed and accuracy are important for all written documentation.
• The candidate should be a team player and contribute to the success of the team.

Salary and benefits

We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits.

We welcome direct applications. If you would like any further information about the firm, please contact a member of the HR team.

We have a diverse workforce and aim to attract high calibre applicants that reflect the demography of our geographical location and client base. Individuals will be employed solely on merit and the requirement of the position. No applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender Identity or religion. Reasonable adjustments will be made to eliminate or reduce disadvantage.