Wills & Probate Paralegal

Job Description

Wills & Probate ParalegalBased in Whitchurch with the flexibility to work in NewportHybrid working once you have passed the probation period (6 Months) Role/Job Purpose

• To assist the Solicitors by preparing and drafting Wills, LPAs and dealing with estate administration, trusts and Court of Protection Files.
• To effectively manage all aspects of the cases allocated and when necessary provide support to other team members within the Department.

Role Specific Responsibilities and Activities

• To meet clients and take instructions.
• To provide support to colleagues in the management of their cases as and when required.
• To act in a fee earning capacity ensuring that fee earning targets and chargeable hours are met.
• To draft documents to include Wills and LPAs.
• To ensure that all client work relating to own files is processed correctly and expeditiously and that the client is kept regularly informed of progress and costs
• To manage and deal with all correspondence associated with own files on a daily basis to maintain and update files with relevant correspondence to ensure files remain current and up to date.
• Liaise with legal representatives including counsel, costs drafts persons, experts etc.
• To follow file reviews procedures ensuring that these are dealt with promptly
• Carry out periodic costs checks on files as requested by the fee earner
• Assist with and undertake tasks relating to fee earners caseloads when required.
• Assist the department in developing work processes for cases when required.
• To undertake administration work on own files and support senior fee earners with the same

General Responsibilities and Activities

• To undertake mandatory training or training identified as necessary to update skills or improve performance.
• Have appropriate skills or ability to acquire and develop skills in order to utilise case management system effectively
• To identify and initiate any cross-selling opportunities.
• To ensure client satisfaction remains a high priority at all times and ensuring appropriate client relationship management.
• To ensure that supervision is sought prior to contacting third parties outside the Firm or undertaking any work outside of the scope of the role.
• To ensure protocols are adhered to in order to protect the confidentiality of both the firms and clients documentation and information
• You will also be required to undertake other tasks as directed to ensure the work of the department or firm as a whole is carried out.
• Post Holders will work collaboratively with other appropriate departments within the Firm to ensure a seamless service is provided for all Clients of the Firm.
• To attend and, where required contribute to team meetings.
• To undertake such administrative duties as your Employer may reasonably require from time to time.
• Support the fostering of a collaborative team environment by providing support when covering for colleagues and willingly offering assistance, prioritising tasks appropriately in order to assist colleagues for the benefit of the team/Firm.
• Ensure telephones are covered and answered promptly and professionally at all times.
• Act as a mentor/buddy to new team members when required.
• Attend business development and marketing events when required to do so and overall to have responsibility towards business development

Person Specification

• Strong IT skills with the ability to use a range of case management systems.
• Experience of supporting people in the management of their caseloads.
• LPC or degree in law, some other professional qualification or equivalent career experience.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills are essential including the ability to relate to people at all levels.
• High Proficiency in all Microsoft Office Packages including word, outlook e-mail, outlook diary functions.
• Previous experience of working in fee earning capacity and running own caseload.
• Demonstrable experience of providing excellent customer/client service.
• Experience of successfully supporting senior fee earners.
• Full driving licence and use of own car
• The ability to work as a part of a team.
• The ability to assess situations and provide appropriate feedback.
• A flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to hard work.
• An understanding of health and safety issues within the workplace.
• Ability to listen carefully and ask questions to ensure full understanding tasks
• Demonstrable ability to handle difficult/ upset clients and respond accordingly in sensitive situations

If you believe you have the skill set required, please contact Rachel Phillips in confidence or apply directly below.