DEVELOPMENT LEGAL ASSISTANT - LINCOLN, LINCOLNSHIRE

We have an exciting opportunity for a Development Legal Assistant to join our Commercial Property & Agriculture Team based in our Lincoln office. We are seeking an individual who holds a degree in Law or has equivalent relevant professional experience. Full training will be provided, but a genuine interest in Commercial Property & Agriculture is essential.

The successful candidate will be motivated, resilient, and able to work effectively under pressure while meeting tight deadlines. They will also be committed to delivering excellent client care and ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.

Location: Lincoln

Department: Commercial Property and Agriculture

Hours: 9am - 5.15pm Monday to Friday

Salary: Dependent on experience

Key Responsibilities:

• Client, agent and solicitor liaison and assisting with enquiries as directed
• Freehold conditional acquisitions and disposals
• Drafting simple transfers as allocated by supervisor
• Due diligence (ensuring client ID is up to date, client care letters sent out, completing/updating risk assessments etc)
• Undertaking file openings, making initial contact with other Solicitors/Agents and carrying out necessary searches
• Utility company easements, transfers and section agreements
• Time recording, filing and keeping paper files up to date
• Obtaining insurance quotes, keeping these up to date and putting them in place at exchange or completion (as applicable)
• Putting together Reports on Title and Reports on Contract (prepared by supervisor) using PDFsam software
• Exchanges (including preparation of contract engrossments, formal requests for deposit funds, exchange statements if requested by client)
• Completions (including preparation of completion statements) and post completion related correspondence and formalities (to include Stamp Duty Land Tax, Companies House and Land Registry Registrations)
• Keeping track of and dealing with deferred payments (consideration payable 12, 24, 36 months following completion) including preparation of DS3/DS1s and RX4s
• Ensuring that balances are clear and files are closed at the end of the matter
• Maintain financial control, including the collection of monies on account and adherence to billing procedures
• Record time accurately and maintain detailed daily records of client and internal work
• Carry out fee-earning work accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with the Company's quality standards and risk management procedures
• Work with the Company's Marketing Team to promote and enhance the reputation and business of the Company
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role and level of responsibility

Candidate Profile:

Essential Experience:

• Law Degree or equivalent work‑based experience
• High level of competency in using Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Desirable Experience:

• Experience of working in a law firm and/or experience within Commercial Property & Agriculture
• Competent in using case management systems
• Clear understanding of the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules and Money Laundering Regulations

Skills, Competencies & Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with hands‑on delivery capability
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to quickly establish and maintain good working relationships at all levels
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Strong analytical and data‑driven decision‑making capability
• Able to work with diplomacy and assertiveness
• Discrete with the ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality
• Flexible and willing/able to travel to all offices
• Proactive and positive attitude
• Reacts well under pressure and is able to work to deadlines
• High level of integrity and empathy
• Team player
• Sense of humour

Why work at Chattertons:

Founded in 1856, Chattertons is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected law firms, proudly serving communities across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. As a Top 200 law firm, we offer a comprehensive range of legal and financial services to individuals and businesses, with particular expertise in commercial property, corporate law, dispute resolution, and agriculture. Our commitment to excellence is matched by our dedication to local engagement—many of our team members actively contribute to the community as trustees, governors, and business advocates.

Benefits: Some of the great benefits that we offer include: Chattertons recognises that it is essential to provide equal opportunities to all persons without discrimination. The firm has an Equality and Diversity Policy and this sets out the firm’s position on equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. This is available upon request.

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