Private Client Paralegal

Private Client ParalegalJob Title: Private Client Paralegal Location: Leigh-on-Sea, Essex Department: Private Client Reports To: Head of Private Client / Private Client Solicitor Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent About the RoleWe are seeking a professional, compassionate, and highly organised Private Client Paralegal to join our established Private Client team in Leigh-on-Sea. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual with previous private client experience who is looking to further their legal career within a supportive and client-focused law firm. The successful candidate will assist solicitors and fee earners with a broad range of private client matters, including wills, probate, estate administration, trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), while providing exceptional service to clients during often sensitive and important life events. Key Responsibilities • Support solicitors and fee earners with the management of private client matters from instruction through to completion. • Assist in the preparation of: • Wills and codicils. • Lasting Powers of Attorney (Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare). • Trust documentation. • Probate applications and estate administration paperwork. • Draft routine correspondence and legal documents under supervision. • Prepare inheritance tax forms and probate application documentation. • Liaise with clients, beneficiaries, executors, financial advisers, accountants, HMRC, and other third parties. • Obtain and review information relating to estates, assets, liabilities, and trusts. • Assist with estate administration, including collecting and valuing assets. • Maintain accurate file records and case management systems. • Conduct client onboarding procedures, including identity verification and AML checks. • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and firm procedures. • Provide administrative support to the wider Private Client team as required. Candidate RequirementsEssential • Previous experience working within a Private Client department as a Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or Secretary. • Good understanding of: • Wills. • Probate and estate administration. • Lasting Powers of Attorney. • Trusts and estate planning. • Excellent organisational and administrative skills. • Strong attention to detail and accuracy. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Professional and empathetic approach when dealing with clients. • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Desirable • Law degree, CILEx qualification, LPC, SQE studies, or equivalent legal training. • Experience preparing probate applications and inheritance tax documentation. • Familiarity with private client case management systems. • Knowledge of Court of Protection matters. • Ambition to progress towards qualification as a solicitor or legal executive. Personal Attributes • Compassionate and client-focused. • Professional, discreet, and trustworthy. • Strong interpersonal and communication skills. • Highly organised with excellent attention to detail. • Positive and proactive attitude. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Committed to delivering high standards of client care. Benefits • Competitive salary. • Pension scheme. • Generous annual leave entitlement. • Ongoing training and professional development. • Support towards further legal qualifications where appropriate. • Clear career progression opportunities. • Friendly and supportive working environment. • Modern offices in Leigh-on-Sea. • Employee wellbeing initiatives and social events. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Accuracy and efficiency in document preparation. • Timely progression of private client matters. • Compliance with regulatory and AML requirements. • Client satisfaction and service standards. • Effective management of files and case records. • Contribution to team productivity and departmental objectives. • Adherence to internal procedures and quality standards. Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate will have previous experience in private client law and a genuine interest in supporting individuals and families with estate planning and administration matters. They will be empathetic, organised, and capable of handling sensitive information with professionalism and discretion, while contributing positively to the continued success of the firm's Leigh-on-Sea Private Client team.