Trainee Notary Public in London

About De Pinna: De Pinna Notaries is a leading specialist notarial practice with a history spanning 250 years. Located in the West End and the City of London, De Pinna provides notarisation, legalisation and translation services and has an enviable client portfolio comprising around a third of the FTSE 100, some of the largest multinational companies, and high net worth individuals.

Role: Trainee Notary Public (Legal Training Contract)

Location: Southwest House, 11a Regent Street St. James's, London SW1Y 4LR and Birchin Court, 18 King William Street, London EC4N 7BP. This is a full-time office-based role (no remote/working from home).

Reporting to: Training Partner

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 9:30am – 5:30pm (with flexibility around these times to meet deadlines and requirements of the role).

The Role: To support the day-to-day work of the notarial practice while undertaking the academic and practical training required to qualify as a Notary Public in England and Wales, and subsequently a Scrivener Notary, in accordance with the requirements of the Faculty Office. Training and experience will be gained in areas of notarial practice, including but not limited to:

• Private Client work;
• Company and Commercial work;
• Specialist foreign language and jurisdiction specific work.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Legal Knowledge
   • Provide support to Fee Earners with their daily workloads, by way of undertaking elements of fee-earning work under supervision and with administrative support.
   • Draft and amend Notarial certificates, Board Resolutions, Affidavits and other legal documentation in English and relevant foreign languages.
   • Conduct client file opening procedures, including identity verification and due diligence (AML/KYC).
   • Deputise for principals in their absence passing urgent enquiries to senior colleagues for guidance.
   • To keep up to date with all relevant developments in law and regulation.
2. Client Management
   • Provide excellent service to clients, in a timely and professional manner, always presenting a positive image of the firm.
   • Handle routine client and third-party enquiries and communications wherever possible.
   • Develop and maintain good client relation skills, gaining client’s confidence and the confidence of referring lawyers, accountants and other professionals.
   • Deal with translation service providers and other third party support as may be necessary.
   • To assist in the promotion, development and marketing of the firm.
3. Financial and Matter Management
   • Understand and follow billing arrangements.
   • Ensure billing is accurate and done on a daily or weekly basis.
   • Ensure all information is entered accurately and promptly in the CRM system.
   • Maintain accurate records of all notarised documents and files in the CRM system.
   • Ensure data is only retained as per firm guidelines.
4. Risk Management
   • Comply with the Firm’s Policies, procedures, risk management and information security controls.
   • Adhere to the Firm’s Policies and Procedures and to adhere to professional standards.
   • Comply with all rules and regulations applicable to notarial practice.
5. Training & Qualification
   • Undertake the required academic study and practical training to qualify as a Notary Public.
   • Maintain training record during the Training Contract.
   • Attend any academic or training courses as may be required by the Training Partner and successfully pass or complete the same.
   • Maintain progress in line with agreed development plans and regulatory timescales.

Experience Required:

Essential Skills

• English to a native/near native level.
• At least one other modern European language to native / near native level, preferably German or Polish.
• LLB degree (2:1 or higher).
• Intention to qualify as a Notary Public in England and Wales.
• Fully computer literate with good knowledge of various software packages e.g. MS Office.
• The right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Legal background or experience within a legal or professional services environment.
• Understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements in professional practice.

Key Skills and Personal attributes to include:

• Proven ability to perform effectively under sustained pressure, managing high workloads while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks efficiently.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and high-quality output.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (and other relevant languages).
• Receptive to feedback, with a proactive approach to continuous learning and development.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative and accountability.
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.