Legal Assistant (Wills, Probate, Tax and Trusts) in Preston

Forbes Solicitors LLP are seeking a Legal Assistant to join our Wills, Probate, Tax and Trusts team based at our Walton Summit office. This is a full-time role working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to start or progress their career and become part of a collaborative and professional team. While the role demands the fast pace, customer focus, and high standards of a law firm, it also ensures a sustainable work-life balance, reflecting the regional area it serves.

As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for achieving successful outcomes such as:

• Provide effective and efficient support to Advisors through administration, planning and secretarial work.
• Successful completion of additional non-chargeable work required to deliver work to clients in a timely and efficient manner.
• Preparing and completing standard legal documents for the delivery of client work, using set processes, systems and information provided.
• Drafting and proof-reading standard correspondence for any relevant stakeholders based on information provided by an Advisor.
• Taking and updating client instructions to accurately inform the department of requirements.
• Providing organisation and logistical support to Advisors and the department for the practical delivery of services to clients (e.g. diarising meetings, taking notes, organising transport and directions, liaising with clients and third parties regarding arrangements required).
• Obtaining instructions and information from clients and informing them of the processes and next steps.
• Co-ordinating and liaising with third parties.
• Manage on-going communications with all external stakeholders, answering queries, managing expectations, providing updates and effectively chasing responses required and escalating appropriately.

The Person

We will be progressing applicants to the next stage based on their demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skills in the following:

Essential

• GCSE Maths and English, grade C/4 or above, or equivalent;
• Previous experience within administration/secretarial roles (ideally within professional services);
• Demonstrates good attention to detail, including proof-reading and editing skills to ensure accuracy and quality of legal documents;
• Demonstrates the ability to prioritise tasks, manage time effectively, and coordinate multiple activities simultaneously;
• Demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team;
• Demonstrates well-developed commercial awareness;
• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients, colleagues, and external parties;
• Has an interest in long term development/progression in the department;
• Demonstrates competence in their IT skills (Outlook, Word, and other systems experience);
• Aligns with the Firms core values;
• Has a full, clean driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable

• Previous legal assistant/paralegal experience;
• Previous experience within a Private Client department of a law firm.

If you are interested in this role or in joining Forbes Solicitors, please visit our website to learn more about us.

The Firm

At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results. We are real people who listen to each other and work together to deliver exceptional service.

We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm.

We are a values led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork to join our award-winning Firm.

The Benefits

We are dedicated to supporting our people and offer a range of benefits, including:

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with length of service;
• Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to T&Cs)
• Enhanced family friendly policies and pay for Maternity, Paternity and Adoption;
• Enhanced sick pay
• Celebration and Volunteer leave
• Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities (Career Framework)
• Profit share scheme
• Additional long service awards
• Subsidised tuck shops
• Staff discount on Firm services
• Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services)
• BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependents)
• Retail and gym membership discounts
• Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to T&Cs)
• Annual Events

Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability-confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community.