Property Legal Assistant in Watford

We are seeking a Property Legal Assistant to join our client's dedicated Property team in Watford. The successful candidate will support residential conveyancing solicitors and licensed conveyancers in managing a varied caseload of property matters, ensuring efficient case progression, accurate documentation and excellent client care within a collaborative firm that values technical competence, continuous professional development and high standards. This role will involve providing day-to-day assistance on sales, purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity, leasehold matters and post-completion tasks such as SDLT returns and Land Registry applications. The post offers opportunities for professional development, involvement in process improvement and hybrid working following successful completion of the probationary period.

Key responsibilities

• Provide proactive administrative and legal support across a mixed-complexity residential conveyancing caseload from opening files through to post-completion, ensuring timely progression and accurate record keeping.
• Prepare and check transaction paperwork including client care letters, ID and AML checks, completion statements, SDLT returns and Land Registry forms (for example AP1) under solicitor or conveyancer supervision.
• Liaise with clients, estate agents, mortgage lenders, brokers, surveyors and other third parties to obtain documentation, chase outstanding matters and progress transactions toward exchange and completion; escalate issues as appropriate.
• Assist with handling client monies in line with SRA and firm rules, prepare and check completion monies schedules, process payments and ensure accurate financial records through to post-completion tasks.
• Undertake client care and AML procedures, verify identity and source of funds, maintain audit-ready files and ensure compliance with the firm’s risk, file management and regulatory requirements.
• Use and maintain case management systems and digital precedents; open and close files, record time and assist with billing and fee estimate preparation where required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by maintaining precedents, checklists and workflows; help identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the client experience.
• Provide support and guidance to paralegals and more junior colleagues where appropriate; participate in training and knowledge-sharing to foster a supportive team environment.

Key skills and experience required

• At least 6 months experience working in residential conveyancing support or a property team, demonstrating familiarity with sales, purchases, remortgages and transfers of equity.
• Practical knowledge of Land Registry processes, SDLT requirements and lender procedures; accuracy in preparing and reviewing conveyancing documentation and following instructions.
• Experience of undertaking AML checks, ID verification and maintaining audit-ready file records; awareness of SRA accounts rules and handling of client monies advantageous.
• Excellent client care and communication skills with the ability to manage expectations, handle sensitive matters and maintain professional relationships with clients and third parties.
• Organised and able to manage competing priorities and a busy workload; strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines under supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, support colleagues and contribute positively to firm culture; professional discretion and confidentiality are essential.
• Proficiency with case management systems and standard office IT applications; willingness to adopt and help embed digital workflows and precedents.
• Commitment to personal development and to supporting the delivery of commercial, client-focused legal services.