Legal Assistant - Residential Property (Permanent) in Newport

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. This role will provide direct support to fee earners within the Residential Conveyancing Team, to enable them to operate at optimum efficiency, in addition to ensuring clients receive an excellent level of customer service throughout the transaction process.

What you'll be responsible for:

• Day to day interaction with new clients and updating clients / agents / solicitors where necessary.
• Taking client instructions, checking ID, source of funds, gift deposits, etc.
• Preparing draft documents and issuing sales contracts.
• Requesting mortgage redemption figures.
• Ordering searches.
• Replying to sales enquiries on both freehold / leasehold properties.
• Drafting transfer deeds.
• Dealing with exchange of contracts on sales and purchases.
• Ordering mortgage advances, undertaking pre-completion searches.
• Setting up completions.
• Dealing with client enquiries and communicating with a variety of third parties.
• Adherence to AML, client care and compliance procedures.
• Providing full support to the conveyancing solicitors to enable them to operate efficiently.
• Preparing correspondence using our case management system.
• Administering filing systems which will include daily filing and the opening, closing, storage and retrieval of client files.
• Audiotyping (Dictation) as and when required.
• Preparing mail and enclosures for dispatch.
• Making photocopies and storing client documents.
• Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as directed by your line manager or Director.

What we're looking for:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a residential property support role.
• Experience assisting with or managing a small residential property caseload under supervision would be advantageous.
• Friendly, helpful team player with excellent customer service skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and adapt under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail with high levels of speed and accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, typing, keyboard, and word processing skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including professional telephone manner.
• Familiar with dictation and comfortable liaising with clients by phone.

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.

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.