We are recruiting for a Paralegal to join our Private Client Advisory team, with the opportunity to be based in either Chichester or Gatwick. While the role can be based in either location, training will be delivered in Chichester, and travel between both offices will be required as part of the role.

You will be able to work efficiently and accurately while providing excellent client service. As part of a highly respected team, you will communicate confidently with clients, colleagues and external organisations and support the delivery of legal services to a high professional standard. You will work closely with experienced colleagues and take responsibility for client work allocated to you by your supervisor.

This is a rewarding role that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to clients during significant life events, while developing your legal knowledge and experience within a supportive team environment. If you are looking for the next step in your legal career and would like to join a friendly and well-established team, we would love to hear from you.

• To keep clients informed as required by the firm's and department's procedures.
• To arrange payment of invoices and distributions on estate administration matters for the team.
• To take initial calls from prospective clients, accurately record their enquiries, and liaise with qualified colleagues to determine who will take on the instruction. As part of this process, to obtain details from prospective clients in order to initiate the new matter opening process.
• To draft initial letters to institutions in estate administration matters.
• To draft and complete closure forms relating to assets in estate administration matters.
• To create and update schedules of assets and liabilities.
• To assist the team with the management of estate administration files, including file opening and compliance, dealing with correspondence and telephone calls, maintaining digital files, facilitating financial transactions, inputting personal and financial data into the case management system, and archiving files.
• To complete both paper and online probate applications.
• To draft documents under the supervision of a qualified member of the estate planning team.
• To communicate with professional organisations and asset providers in writing (by letter and/or email) and by telephone.
• To assist with the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), subject to experience and training, including taking initial instructions from clients and, following consultation with the Supervising Team Leader, advising on the legal options available.
• To handle original documents, including wills, LPAs, death certificates, grants of representation and other legal documents.
• To assist the team with any other tasks as required.

Essential criteria

• Law degree, or equivalent legal knowledge gained through relevant legal work experience.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients, colleagues and external organisations, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate work when managing legal, financial, and personal information.
• Ability to organise and prioritise a varied workload, meeting deadlines and following established procedures.
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively within a team while using initiative appropriately within agreed levels of supervision.
• Competent IT skills, including experience of using Microsoft Office applications and electronic case or document management systems.

Desirable criteria

• Experience working within Private Client, Estate Administration, or a similar legal environment.
• Knowledge of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), and estate administration processes.
• Experience working in a client-facing role, with the ability to communicate professionally and provide an excellent standard of client service.