Wills and Estates Legal Assistant in Colchester

JS Legal Recruitment are excited to be working with a highly regarded law firm based in Colchester, our client a LEXCEL accredited and a Legal 500 recommended practice. Due to continued growth, our client has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Wills and Estates Legal Assistant to join their Wills & Estates department on a full-time basis.

The Wills and Estates team is well established and offers a high-quality service to its clients. You will be responsible for providing exceptional support to a Senior Solicitor and Director with a very busy caseload. You will ensure client satisfaction by pre-empting problems and identifying solutions, and by building and maintaining knowledge of clients and their matters. You should have significant and current experience working as a Legal Assistant / Legal Secretary ideally within a Private Client department.

The Role

• Provide support to a senior solicitor and director of the firm with a very busy caseload.
• Prepare, format and proofread legal documents and correspondence related to private client matters.
• Manage and organise solicitor’s calendar including scheduling appointments and meetings.
• Handle incoming and outgoing correspondence, including emails, letters, and phone calls and draft as appropriate.
• Act as first point of contact for clients both on the phone and in person.
• Arrange client meetings.
• Prepare and manage legal documents such as Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Estate Planning documents.
• Assist with billing, track and manage time entries for billable hours.
• Assist in the preparation of probate applications and the administration of estates.
• Manage compliance on all files via the case management system, including conflict checks and risk assessments, escalating them to the lawyer if required.
• Conduct legal research.

Skills Required

• Previous experience as a Legal Assistant / Legal Secretary in Private Client, Wills, and Estates, particularly in a fast-paced environment is highly desirable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Audio, and document management system.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, ability to prioritise and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 22 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, with an additional 3 days for the Christmas to New Year closure.
• Medical benefits scheme and Employee Assistance Program upon completion of probation period.
• Sick pay policy.
• Staff Pension scheme upon completion of probation period.
• Friendly and social environment with regular social events.

If you feel this is the right opportunity for you, contact Julie Sheridan at JS Legal Recruitment Ltd, quoting reference JSL2340 or email your CV or call for a confidential discussion.

All successful applications will be responded to within 7 working days. If you have not been contacted within this timescale, your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.