At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with probate and estate administration, managing your own cases under supervision.
- Company: Join an award-winning law firm with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a focus on client care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in clients' lives while gaining valuable legal experience.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in a legal team and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 € per year.
Meet the team
Our award winning, highly skilled and experienced Private Capital group provide a wide range of services and advice to empowering families to define their unique long-term goals and legacy. We undertake various Family and Private Client work at all levels and across many sectors. Our Private Client team, including 13 members of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) offers advice on the following areas of Private Client law:
- Capital Tax planning including advising on the most appropriate structures via Wills, Trusts & Family Investment Companies
- The creation and administration of Trusts including tax compliance, accounting services and professional Trusteeship
- Administration of estates (simple to complex)
- Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work
- The creation and administration of Charitable Foundations
- Personal tax advice and compliance
Our clients’ profiles consist of family business owners, landed estates, newly acquired wealth, private individuals with inherited wealth and their families and Trustees of substantial trusts. Our team was recently voted the winner of the National Private Client Team in the Modern Law Awards 2023.
What you will be doing:
- Assisting with probate and estate administration cases, running your own cases where appropriate and under supervision
- Using case management programmes to run cases
- Liaising with clients (taking messages, arranging meetings etc.), demonstrating professionalism, diplomacy and sensitivity in all communications
- Liaising with other professionals; e.g. financial advisers and accountants
- Document production; e.g. preparation of PowerPoint presentations and seminar materials, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, marketing material
- Legal research
You will develop your experience in these areas and, in time, handle your own cases. This is a busy role, with deadlines to manage and competing priorities, so you will be required to work quickly, accurately and efficiently and remain calm under pressure. You will be expected to think ahead to meet the needs of our lawyers and clients. You may also be involved in other activities as required, including helping other team members during busy periods, and to cover absences from work. The role may include travel to visit clients in the local area and while a hybrid role based from our Birmingham hub, office attendance will be required 2-3 days per week.
You will have:
- 6 months’ previous experience in a legal team [and/or area of law] would be preferable
- Working knowledge at basic level of terminology and documents used in [detail if relevant] transactions
What you will need:
As an experienced Private Client Paralegal, you will have a caring nature, seeing this role as more than a ‘job’, taking your responsibilities to our clients very seriously, whether the task is big or small. When it comes to individuals’ lives, every detail matters, so you will be someone who considers the wider implications of what you do, and who likes to go the extra mile. You will be personable, approachable and with a genuine interest in dealing with individuals and their families. This role involves some basic accountancy skills for reconciling client accounts, so good numeracy skills and a competent knowledge of Microsoft Excel is important. You will also need strong written and oral communication skills, being able to adapt your style to communicate effectively with a wide range of clients and fellow professionals alike. You will be exceptionally organised and used to working efficiently and accurately in a busy and varied role. You pride yourself on your professionalism, with a personal touch and a high standard of honesty and integrity. We are open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds. What is important is your attitude, personality fit and interest/knowledge in private client work; due to the nature of the work, it is essential that you have Probate Estate Administration experience. Training will be provided to enable you to succeed in this role and make a real difference to the lives of our clients.
Benefits, Agile Working and Additional information
We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work. We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it. We have the following hubs across the UK: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Sheffield, Solihull, Stratford upon Avon & Tunbridge Wells.
Want to find out more about our amazing benefits? Please be aware, for some vacancies, where we receive high numbers of applications we may need to bring the close date forward. Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted. Details of the checks can be found here.
Equal opportunities
Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
Paralegal - Private Client employer: Ampa group
Shakespeare Martineau is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on agile working, our Birmingham hub provides a flexible environment where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients. Join our award-winning Private Client team and benefit from comprehensive training, diverse experiences, and the opportunity to work alongside industry experts in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - Private Client
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that paralegal gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills. Mock interviews can be a game changer. Grab a mate or use online resources to simulate the real deal. This will help you feel more confident and ready to impress when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for private client work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your interest in helping families and individuals with their legal needs. It’s all about that personal touch!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our awesome team at Shakespeare Martineau.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal - Private Client
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Paralegal role. Highlight your relevant experience in private client work and showcase how your skills align with what we’re looking for at Shakespeare Martineau.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with clients and professionals, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong written communication skills. Use clear and professional language in your application to reflect your ability to communicate effectively.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:We love candidates who can manage their time well and handle multiple tasks. In your application, mention any experiences where you successfully juggled competing priorities or met tight deadlines.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ampa group
✨Know Your Private Client Law
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of private client law, especially probate and estate administration. Familiarise yourself with terms like Wills, Trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the nuances of the work.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
Since this role involves liaising with clients and other professionals, be prepared to showcase your communication skills. Think of examples where you've handled sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy. This will highlight your caring nature and ability to connect with clients.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Given the busy nature of the role, come prepared with examples of how you've managed competing priorities in the past. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially if you have experience with case management programmes or Excel spreadsheets.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the team and the work they do. This could be about their approach to client relationships or how they handle complex cases. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
