Legal Assistant – Wills and Estates

Legal Assistant – Wills and Estates – Colchester

About us

At Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP), our mission is to Transform, Succeed, and Prosper—not only for our clients but also for our people and the wider community. We operate with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to fostering growth and opportunity for everyone within the firm. Collaboration, professionalism, and agility define our working environment, and we strive to empower our teams to deliver excellent results while supporting their personal and professional development.

Role overview

Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) is seeking an experienced and client-focused Legal Assistant to join our Wills and Estates team in Colchester on a full-time, permanent basis.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about delivering an exceptional client experience, enjoys building trusted relationships, and takes pride in supporting clients through often sensitive and important life matters.

The role

In this key role, you will work closely with a Senior Solicitor/Director, supporting a busy caseload of private client matters.

You will play an integral part in ensuring that clients receive a seamless, professional, and compassionate service at every stage of their matter. This role goes beyond administrative support—it places you at the heart of the client journey.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised, and genuinely committed to exceeding client expectations.

Key responsibilities

1. Client care & relationship management

• Act as a primary point of contact for clients, providing a warm, professional, and responsive service
• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients, demonstrating empathy and understanding, particularly in sensitive matters
• Manage client expectations and ensure a smooth and positive experience throughout their matter by keeping clients informed with timely updates and ensuring clear communication throughout
• Anticipate client needs and proactively support the fee earner in resolving queries or issues
• Handle enquiries with empathy, discretion, and professionalism
• Proactively identify potential issues and work with the fee earner to resolve them before they impact the client

2. Matter support & coordination

• Support the day-to-day management and progression of private client matters
• Prepare, format, and proofread legal documents and correspondence
• Assist with file opening procedures and ensure all required information is gathered
• Manage diaries, appointments, and key deadlines to ensure matters progress smoothly

3. Private Client casework support

• Assist with the preparation of Wills, trusts, Powers of Attorney, and estate documentation
• Support Probate applications and Estate administration
• Liaise with clients and third parties to gather information and progress matters efficiently
• Ensure all client work is handled with accuracy and care
• Maintain accurate, well-organised client files in line with firm procedures
• Ensure documentation is accessible, up-to-date, and compliant
• Use case management systems effectively to track progress and maintain visibility of matters

5. Billing & financial administration

• Assist with the preparation of bills and general file financial management
• Assist with financial aspects of files, including processing payments and disbursements
• Ensure transparency and accuracy in client billing
• Ensure all client files are compliant with regulatory and firm requirements
• Maintain strict confidentiality and data protection standards
• Work closely with colleagues across departments to provide a seamless client experience
• Liaise with external professionals such as banks, financial advisors, and HMRC
• Contribute positively to a collaborative and supportive team culture

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who combines strong legal support skills with a genuine passion for client care.

You will have:

• Experience in a legal support role, ideally within Wills and Estates / Private Client
• A strong commitment to delivering outstanding client service
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with clients confidently and empathetically
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills
• The ability to manage a busy workload and prioritise effectively
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach
• A professional, positive, and approachable manner

The package

We offer a competitive salary, depending on level of experience and ability.

Other benefits include:

• 22 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, with an additional 3 days for the Christmas to New Year closure (pro-rated for part time staff).
• Death in service and Group income protection.
• Workplace pension scheme with Scottish Widows after 3 months’ service, including enhanced and salary sacrifice options.
• Health cash plan and employee assistance programme.
• Firm sick pay policy.
• Opportunity for additional holiday with long service.

Equal opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds. Recruitment is based on merit, skills, and suitability for the role.

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