Legal Assistant

Battle, Sussex
ACS Staffing Solutions
Conveyancing Legal Assistant – Residential Property

Location: Battle

Hours: Full time – office based

Salary: 23,000 – 26,000 DOE

This is an excellent opportunity for a legal assistant within conveyancing, to join a successful legal firm and progress their career!

Job brief

The Conveyancing Assistant is required to offer support to their assigned Conveyancer who has conduct of the client files. In addition to duties required of a secretary, the Conveyancing Assistant, whilst overseen by the Conveyancer, will work to ensure files are progressed promptly and in line with procedures and regulations. This includes a broad range of administrative duties as well as communicating with clients and third parties. All tasks will be completed utilising the case management system to keep a complete and accurate audit trail of activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide general administrative support to Conveyancer.
• Handle communication with clients, other side lawyers, estate agents and other third parties, as required.
• Deal with new business enquiries and provide quotes to prospective clients.
• Open new files.
• Assist with gathering and recording the necessary documentation to meet AML and KYC requirements.
• Compile contract papers on a sale.
• Request and obtain items such as searches from agreed providers on a purchase.
• Obtain documents as required from HM Land Registry.
• Type up and file basic legal documents and correspondence as directed by the Conveyancer.
• Draft search reports.
• Answer and direct phone calls, including dealing with administrative and straight-forward enquiries.
• Handle exchange of contracts as directed and approved by the Conveyancer.
• Prepare files for completion including obtaining redemption statements, drafting completion statements, internal paperwork and appropriate letters.
• Generate bills as requested by the Conveyancer.
• Dealing with completions; ensuring payments are sent and received and requesting necessary cheques etc. liaising with clients, estate agents and third parties and submitting SDLT returns.
• Prepare draft AP1s for submission.
• Assist with requisitions from HM Land Registry and issuing responses where required.
• Assisting in file closures/archiving.
• Any other task reasonably required of the assistant as requested by the conveyancer or PGL.

Requirements and skills

• Proven working understanding of tasks listed under responsibilities, likely obtainedin a previous role as a Conveyancing Assistant, Legal Secretary or similar.
• Familiarity with law, legal procedures and protocols.
• Knowledge of day-to-day operations of a legal office.
• Computer literacy with a good understanding of MS Office software.
• Proficiency in English.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Good telephone manner.