Legal Assistant, Auctions in Cardiff

At Howells, we combine a fresh and forward‑thinking approach with a client‑focused, local feel to deliver a range of award‑winning, quality services. Working within our Auctions team, you will provide high‑quality administrative support to fee earners, contributing to the smooth running of transactions and ensuring exceptional service is delivered to clients at all times.

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

• Supporting fee earners with the administration of residential and commercial property transactions conducted by auction, ensuring matters progress efficiently and key deadlines are met.
• Assisting with client onboarding, including obtaining instructions, carrying out identity verification and anti‑money laundering (AML) checks, and reviewing source of funds and gifted deposit information.
• Preparing and issuing legal correspondence, documents and forms using the firm’s case management system.
• Drafting and preparing legal documentation, including transfer deeds, completion statements and other transaction‑related documents under supervision.
• Assisting with the exchange and completion process for auction sales and purchases, ensuring all required documentation is in place.
• Preparing, reviewing and collating auction legal packs, including title documents, searches, property information forms, special conditions of sale and supporting legal documentation.
• Opening, maintaining and closing client files in accordance with firm procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Acting as a key point of contact for clients, estate agents, auction houses, solicitors and other third parties, responding to enquiries in a professional and timely manner.
• Providing regular updates to clients and stakeholders on the progress of matters and escalating issues to fee earners where appropriate.
• Ensuring client records, correspondence and legal documents are accurately filed and maintained in both electronic and paper formats.
• Assisting with post‑completion administration and ensuring all relevant documentation is processed and stored correctly.
• Delivering a high standard of client care and contributing to a positive client experience throughout the transaction.
• Liaising with colleagues across the firm to obtain information, resolve queries and support the smooth progression of matters.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Team oriented.
• Able to work to deadlines, prioritise own workload effectively under pressure and manage conflicting priorities.
• Proactive and determined.
• Able to progress tasks using own initiative, seeking guidance and input from others where appropriate.
• Strong communicator.
• Highly organised and able to prioritise workloads.
• Able to cope with changing levels of work.
• A flexible approach and can‑do attitude.

What You’ll Receive:

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Leave: Enjoy a minimum of 23 days each holiday year, plus bank holidays and extra time off to unwind, including an additional personal day, a day off for your birthday, and a discretionary paid day during the Christmas break.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme: Option to buy up to 3 extra days of leave annually to support your work‑life balance.
• Gym Discounts: Access discounted memberships to help you stay active and healthy.
• Growth & Development: We’re invested in your career with opportunities for learning and advancement.
• Milestone Recognition: Celebrate your dedication with recognition and awards for key milestones.
• Events: Take part in various networking, corporate, and charity events throughout the year.
• Refer a Friend Scheme: Get rewarded for referring talented friends and connections to join the team.
• Discounted Childcare: Benefit from an agreed discounted rate at a nearby nursery, helping to make childcare more affordable and convenient.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email recruitment@howellslegal.com. Successful candidates will be subject to a basic or enhanced DBS disclosure dependent on the role. Permanent employment is conditional on having a satisfactory DBS check. You will therefore be asked to disclose any unspent convictions during the recruitment process.