Legal Assistant

We are currently recruiting for a part time Legal Assistant to join our Private Client team in our Banbury office.

SE-Solicitors is consistently recognised as a high-ranking law firm in the Legal 500. The Private Client team has a particularly enviable reputation for all aspects of Private Client law including Wills & Trusts, Inheritance Tax Planning, Estate Planning, and Powers of Attorney.

We are a thriving and expanding legal practice based in North Oxfordshire. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients while fostering a supportive, inclusive, and enjoyable working environment where our people can achieve professional fulfilment.

Job Role

This varied role is a fantastic opportunity to work within a friendly and approachable team, working with highly experienced Secretaries, Solicitors, and Directors.

Responsibilities of the role would include, but are not limited to:

Client Care

• Act as a first point of contact for clients by telephone, email and in person.
• Respond to client enquiries promptly and professionally, taking accurate messages, identifying urgent issues and passing information to the appropriate fee earner where legal advice is required.
• Keep accurate records of client enquiries, telephone calls and messages on the relevant matter file.
• Arrange appointments and maintain fee earners’ diaries.
• Maintain confidentiality and always comply with data protection requirements.

Administrative Support

• Open new client files and carry out client due diligence and anti-money laundering checks.
• Close files in accordance with the firm’s procedures, ensuring final correspondence, storage arrangements and archiving requirements are completed.
• Scan, file, photocopy and archive documents as required.
• Assist with applications for Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration.
• Assist with probate applications using the online portal.
• Assist with registering trusts, trust administration and maintaining trust records.
• Monitor outstanding correspondence and follow up requests for information.
• Assist fee earners with preparing and submitting applications to HM Land Registry, including checking supporting documents and monitoring progress where required.
• Maintain monthly marketing and business development records, including details of networking activity and other business development undertaken by the department.
• Draft and prepare routine correspondence, attendance notes, file notes, forms and legal documents under supervision, ensuring documents are accurate, well-presented and saved correctly on the relevant matter file.
• Assist with financial administration, including preparing bills, recording disbursements, processing payments and supporting fee earners with time recording and matter balances where required.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Previous administrative experience, preferably within a legal or professional services environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and in accordance with data protection requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable (but not essential) Skills and Experience

• Previous experience within a Private Client or Probate department
• Knowledge of wills, probate, trusts and powers of attorney
• Experience using legal case management systems, document management systems or similar professional software.
• Regular events organised by the Social Committee.
• Company pension.
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme – gym discounts, virtual GP, financial advice, etc.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Health and Wellbeing program.
• Free parking.
• Sick pay.

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