Paralegal Agriculture in Milton Keynes

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organised Paralegal to join our Agricultural Property team, with a primary focus on post-completion administrative processes. The role involves supporting fee earners by ensuring all post-completion formalities are carried out efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will play a key role in progressing matters to finalisation following completion, with particular emphasis on Land Registry applications, document management, financial administration, and file closure.

Responsibilities

• Post-Completion Formalities
  • Manage and process all post-completion tasks arising from agricultural property transactions.
  • Prepare and submit Land Registry applications (including AP1s, FR1s, and related documents) accurately and within required timeframes.
  • Liaise with internal post-completions teams to ensure applications are correctly drafted, submitted, and progressed to registration.
  • Respond to Land Registry requisitions promptly and effectively, working with fee earners where necessary.
• Document Management
  • Collate, review, and organise all completion documentation required for registration and file closure.
  • Oversee use of electronic signing platforms (e.g., DocuSign), ensuring documents are executed correctly and securely.
  • Maintain up-to-date and accurate records of all documents and correspondence within case management systems.
• Financial Administration
  • Operate electronic payment systems to manage disbursements and outgoing funds post-completion.
  • Ensure funds are distributed accurately and in line with completion statements and client instructions.
  • Assist with reconciliation processes and liaise with accounts teams as required.
• Client and Stakeholder Liaison
  • Communicate with clients, agents, lenders, and third parties regarding post-completion matters.
  • Provide updates on registration progress and deal with queries professionally and efficiently.
  • Work collaboratively with fee earners and the wider property team to ensure seamless transaction closure.
• File Closure and Compliance
  • Undertake file closure procedures, ensuring all documentation is complete, compliant, and appropriately archived.
  • Verify that all post-completion tasks have been finalised prior to file closure.
  • Ensure compliance with firm policies, regulatory requirements, and best practice standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a property or real estate environment (agricultural property experience desirable but not essential).
• Strong understanding of post-completion processes and Land Registry procedures.
• Experience using case management systems and document management platforms.
• Familiarity with electronic signing tools and financial/payment systems.
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised and methodical approach to work.
• Proactive with a problem-solving mindset.
• Reliable with a high level of accuracy and accountability.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative working style.

Location

Hybrid role based in our Lincoln offices (2–3 days per week on-site).

Equal Opportunities

Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.