Legal Assistant - New Build/Shared Ownership in Colchester

In this role you will work in a fast-paced conveyancing department which specialises in new build and shared ownership transactions. You will be speaking with clients and referrers on a daily basis whilst progressing their files. You will work closely with the New Build team, who will be close at hand to support you developing in this role, as well as the Lawyers in the team.

The Day to Day

• Typing e-mails, documents, letters, attendance and file notes via BigHand digital dictation, including occasional copy typing tasks.
• Raising invoices at the request and direction of fee earners.
• Drafting stamp duty land tax return forms, submitting applications to HM Land Registry at the direction of fee earners.
• Use of the Microsoft suite, BigHand, SOS case management system, FormEvo, and other software applications, including use of auto text and document templates.
• Filing, which will include daily filing (hardcopy and electronic) and the opening, closing, storage and retrieval of client files in accordance with the detailed procedures.
• Preparing post and enclosures for dispatch.
• Ensuring case files are managed in accordance with the requirements of the Office Manual and using your initiative to ensure fee earner matters are kept in order.
• Attending clients both in person and on the telephone and to provide such support in a professional and friendly manner in keeping with the firm’s standards for client care.
• Ensuring the confidentiality of all the firm’s and clients’ documentation and information.
• Provide support to other secretaries/fee earners as required.
• Request the necessary property searches from Pali.
• Arrange payments for SDLT / Search fees.
• Dealing with exchange/completion letters.
• Preparing necessary documents for electronic signature via Docusign.
• Preparing contract packs and sending links via OneDrive.
• Overseeing fee earners inboxes when they are on annual leave.
• Check ID submitted via Verify365, request further ID if needed.
• Submit eAP1’s and supporting documentation via the Land Registry Portal.

What experience do I need?

To be successful in this role you should have experience of a legal admin role ideally within a conveyancing team. Alternatively experience working in a fast-paced environment within an administrative team. Strong IT skills and be highly organized.

What skills should I have?

• Great communication skills.
• A team player.
• Great at being able to juggle multiple priorities.

What are we offering?

• A competitive basic salary.
• A supportive, relaxed and flexible work environment in an experienced and growing team.
• 28 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
• Medicash cash back schemes after 1 years’ service.
• Life Insurance.
• EAP and various other physical and mental wellbeing support services including virtual GP access 24/7.
• Family friendly policies such as enhanced maternity and paternity pay plus, family events leave.
• Company sick pay.
• Cycle scheme.

At Holmes & Hills we are proud to have a culture of sharing, collaboration and mutual respect. We are genuine, authentic and down to earth. We are passionate about what we do and how we do it and believe our Values demonstrate the quality and commitment we give to our many clients. These values run through the core of our firm and are fundamental to the develop and progression of our 200 highly valued colleagues.

We offer a benefits package that we believe gives all of our colleagues a bit of everything but in addition to these material benefits, we also offer the opportunity to work for a progressive, modern and inspiring law firm in a regional area that brings with it, the benefit of a good work/life balance, flexibility and family focused and with genuine opportunity to progress and develop evidenced by our commitment to our Career Pathway and Training Pathway.

About Us

Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. Holmes & Hills works in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long standing relationships, protect clients' interests and support clients' growth and development.

Holmes & Hills' large team of legal experts work in partnership with individuals and organisations to provide them with truly proactive legal services through personal relationships. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, we take the time to understand clients' needs and objectives before delivering practical advice through a personal and accessible approach.

Holmes & Hills Solicitors is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners - two independent directories of the UK’s top law firms - as being a leading supplier of legal services in the region. These accreditations give our clients the confidence that the legal advice and representation they receive from Holmes & Hills is some of the best available. Our clients range from established and growing businesses whose brands are recognised and sold around the world and local authorities across the region, through to families and first-time home buyers.