Experienced Conveyancing Legal Assistant in Cardiff

Moving house is one of the biggest things most people ever do, and the person guiding them through it makes all the difference. We're looking for an experienced Legal Assistant to join our Conveyancing department and help our clients get to completion smoothly, safely and without the sleepless nights.

You'll be someone who already knows this work well, at least three years in a conveyancing environment, and who can pick up a file, see what it needs and get on with it. Searches, contract packs, enquiries, SDLT and Land Transaction Tax returns, Land Registry applications, the phone call to reassure a first-time buyer who's worried about the chain: it's varied, it moves quickly, and it matters to the people on the other end of it.

In return, you'll be part of a long-established independent Welsh firm where you're a name rather than a number. You'll have proper support from experienced fee-earners, genuine scope to take on more complex work as you grow, and colleagues who'll cover for you when you need it.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support conveyancing fee-earners in progressing a caseload of residential sale, purchase, transfer of equity and remortgage files from instruction through to post-completion.
• Open new files and carry out client identification, source of funds and anti-money laundering checks, and issue client care and terms of business documentation.
• Handle correspondence, including emails, letters and telephone calls, with clients, estate agents, brokers, lenders and the other side’s solicitors.
• Proofread documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Order and review property searches (local authority, drainage, environmental, mining and chancel) and chase outstanding results.
• Prepare and issue contract packs and protocol forms, and obtain and check official copy entries, title plans and title deeds.
• Draft routine conveyancing documents, including contracts, transfers, completion statements and Land Registry applications, for fee-earner approval.
• When required, undertake routine pre-contract enquiries under supervision.
• Assist with exchange of contracts and completion, including requesting redemption figures and mortgage advances and confirming completion to all parties.
• Prepare and submit SDLT and Land Transaction Tax returns and Land Registry applications, and deal with any requisitions raised.
• Maintain and organise case files, both electronic and physical, on the firm’s case management system.
• Track case progress against chain, lender and completion deadlines, and ensure all key dates are met.
• Assist with post-completion work, ensuring registrations are completed promptly and files are closed and archived correctly.
• Serve as a point of contact for clients, estate agents, brokers and lenders, providing regular updates and addressing enquiries.

Skills and Qualifications:

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience as a legal assistant within a residential conveyancing department
• Sound working knowledge of the residential conveyancing process from instruction to post-completion, including freehold, leasehold, transfer of equity and remortgage matters
• Experience of preparing SDLT and Land Transaction Tax returns and submitting Land Registry applications
• Working understanding of CQS, Lexcel and anti-money laundering requirements
• Ability to manage a busy caseload
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, case management systems and legal research, Land Registry and search provider portals
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Professional and courteous demeanour
• Discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Proactive, with a strong sense of initiative