Private Client Legal Assistant


Company:	Talent Finder
Salary:	£28,000 to £30,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	CM1 1HL
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	30 Sept 2026
Closing date:	30 Oct 2026

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Summary

Private Client Legal Assistant | Chelmsford or Benfleet | Full Time | £28,000–£30,000 per annum

Our client is seeking a Private Client Legal Assistant to support their fee earners within the Private Client team, covering wills, lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) and probate/estate administration.

The Role

You will support fee earners with the day-to-day running of a busy caseload, handling client contact, preparing documents, progressing files and ensuring matters are dealt with efficiently.

The role involves providing a professional and sympathetic service to clients, many of whom may be elderly, vulnerable or recently bereaved.

Key Responsibilities

• Support fee earners with the day-to-day management of a large caseload

• Handle new client enquiries, take initial details and arrange appointments

• Open and close files, carry out conflict and AML/ID checks, and issue client care documents in line with firm procedures

• Manage incoming and outgoing calls, emails and post, and keep clients updated on progress

• Maintain accurate case management records, diaries and time recording

• Arrange will signings and witnessing and ensure correct execution

• Arrange safe storage of original wills and maintain the register of stored documents

• Submit applications to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), track registration and correct any rejections or queries

• Assist with Court of Protection applications, deputyship paperwork and enduring power of attorney (EPA) registrations, as required

• Assist with obtaining grants of probate and letters of administration, including preparing oath and application documents for the Probate Registry

• Write to banks, building societies, pension providers and other institutions to identify and collect assets, and obtain date-of-death valuations

• Assist with inheritance tax forms and HMRC correspondence, and with property valuations and Land Registry matters

• Place statutory notices, deal with creditor and beneficiary queries, and settle liabilities

• Prepare estate accounts, distribution schedules and completion paperwork for fee earner approval

• Keep executors and beneficiaries informed and handle sensitive communications with care

• Follow SRA regulations, AML, data protection and client-money procedures, and the firm's quality standards

• Identify and escalate any concerns about capacity, undue influence, vulnerability or fraud

Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience as a legal assistant, paralegal or legal secretary in a private client, wills and probate or estate administration team, typically 12+ months

• Working knowledge of wills, LPAs and the estate administration process

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a professional, empathetic telephone and client manner

• Strong organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage a large volume of files and deadlines

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management/legal accounting systems

• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative

• Sensitive and compassionate when dealing with elderly, vulnerable or bereaved clients

• Discreet and trustworthy, with a strong sense of confidentiality

• Accurate, methodical and proactive in progressing files

• Keen to learn and develop within the private client team

• Highly proficient with technology and AI systems

Desirable

• Legal qualification or study towards one, such as a law degree, LPC/SQE or CILEX

• Experience with the HMCTS Court Portals

• Experience of the OPG and Probate Registry online systems

• Knowledge of inheritance tax

• Experience with legal software such as LEAP or similar

What’s next? It’s easy! Click “APPLY” now! We can’t wait to hear from you!

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