Russell-Cooke LLP Legal Assistant (Paralegal) - Private Client in Kingston upon Thames

Russell-Cooke LLP are seeking a confident, enthusiastic, self-motivated, resourceful Legal Assistant to support their fee earners in the Private Client team based in central riverside offices in Kingston upon Thames. The team is a reputable leading practice in Surrey with offices also in Bedford Row and South West London. The Private Client Group is rated in the Chambers and Legal 500 legal directories. The firm is also listed in the top 100 law firms.

The team is successful and has grown significantly. It was recognised and won the Surrey Law Society Private Client Team of the Year in 2024 and 2025. Russell-Cooke LLP are seeking additional support for their busy team. The working environment is friendly and informal.

The successful candidate will work in a supportive collegiate team that is widely recognised for its expertise in this area as well as specialist areas. The Private Client team handles high quality interesting work including:

• the administration of complex estates;
• advising on residence and domicile;
• cross-border issues;
• advising individuals on the tax implications of family breakdown;
• succession planning for family businesses and entrepreneurs;
• the creation, administration and taxation of trusts;
• advising on and drafting wills;
• taxation advice; and
• advising on capacity issues.

Their client base is varied but they act for long standing clients, high-net worth individuals and their families who are UK based as well as international clients.

The Private Client Kingston team are seeking a highly motivated, professional Legal Assistant who can demonstrate a breadth of skills and experience. You will be an integral part of the team; providing a high level of support to Clients, Partners and Fee Earners.

The Legal Assistant is expected to take on multifaceted tasks taking a critical role in delivering client service and to assist on all aspects of private client work. The role comes with a high degree of responsibility including drafting of legal documents, preparation of correspondence with third parties and direct client contact in meetings, email and by phone.

It will suit a keen and enthusiastic individual who is able to demonstrate previous employment experience within professional services. The successful candidate will work in a supportive team and undertake work in:

• The administration of estates, including high value complex estates, many with cross border (international) elements.
• Preparing estate planning and tax reports.
• Drafting Wills.
• Drafting Lasting Powers of Attorney.
• Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney.
• Applications to the Court of Protection.
• Coordination of tasks and working alongside other Legal Assistants ensuring completed tasks are of high presentational quality and checked for accuracy, demonstrating attention to detail, and ready to return to fee earners by given deadlines.
• Professional client engagement, in person, by telephone and email and resolving client enquiries, taking messages, passing on information and proactive handling of new business enquiries.
• Attending client meetings with fee earners.

Client Service Support:

• Take an active role in client relationship management, maintenance of client relationships and client care.
• Adopting a client perspective to maintain high service standards and provide an excellent service to clients, including the prompt communications with clients and fee earners.
• To participate in Business Development and Client Service improvement projects and tasks from time to time.

Finance and Billing Duties:

• Supporting the Private Client Team to achieve financial success including all elements of billing and financial management in accordance with Private Client and firm procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Liaising with business support services across the firm, to include: marketing, finance and business engagement.
• Maintaining an interest in and understanding of the basic legal principles and procedures in the Private Client arena.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proactive Team Player who shows willingness to contribute to the success of the team; a person who contributes to high team morale.
• Good interpersonal details with the ability to adapt style and approach.

All their staff benefit from their cohort based career development programme. Russell-Cooke understand the importance of building an internal network and have developed this excellent cohort programme to allow their lawyers to work together across the significant range of practice areas and share their knowledge, experiences and networks.

Russell-Cooke LLP offer competitive salaries and generous benefits. We have a diverse workforce and aim to attract high calibre applicants that reflect the demography of our geographical location and client base. Individuals will be employed solely on merit and the requirement of the position. No applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion. Reasonable adjustments will be made to eliminate or reduce disadvantage.