Legal Assistant

At Howells, we combine a fresh and forward-thinking approach with a client-focused, local feel to deliver a range of award-winning, quality services. This role will provide direct support to fee earners within the Residential Conveyancing Team, to enable them to operate at optimum efficiency, in addition to ensuring clients receive an excellent level of customer service throughout the transaction process. You will be responsible for:

• Day to day interaction with new clients and updating clients / agents / solicitors where necessary.
• Taking client instructions, checking ID, source of funds, gift deposits, etc.
• Preparing draft documents and issuing sales contracts.
• Requesting mortgage redemption figures.
• Ordering searches.
• Replying to sales enquiries on both freehold / leasehold properties.
• Drafting transfer deeds.
• Dealing with exchange of contracts on sales and purchases.
• Ordering mortgage advances, undertaking pre completion searches.
• Setting up completions.
• Dealing with client enquiries and communicating with a variety of third parties.
• Adherence to AML, client care and compliance procedures.
• Providing full support to the conveyancing solicitors to enable them to operate efficiently.
• Preparing correspondence using our case management system.
• Administering filing systems which will include daily filing and the opening, closing, storage and retrieval of client files.
• Preparing mail and enclosures for dispatch.
• Making photocopies and storing client documents What we're looking for:
• Previous experience working in a law firm or in a similar role is desirable.
• Friendly and helpful team player.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Well organised with ability to prioritise workload.
• Ability to work accurately with a good attention to detail.
• Able to use Microsoft Office packages and good typing skills.
• Excellent listening and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
• Excellent keyboard and word processing skills.
• Possess high levels of speed and accuracy.
• Have a good telephone manner and be comfortable speaking with clients on the telephone.
• Highly organised, methodical, and adaptable. What you will receive:
• Competitive Salary
• Annual Leave: Enjoy a minimum of 23 days each holiday year, plus bank holidays and extra time off to unwind, including an additional personal day, a day off for your birthday, and a discretionary paid day during the Christmas break.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme: Option to buy up to 3 extra days of leave annually to support your work-life balance.
• Gym Discounts: Access discounted memberships to help you stay active and healthy.
• Growth & Development: We're invested in your career with opportunities for learning and advancement.
• Milestone Recognition: Celebrate your dedication with recognition and awards for key milestones.
• Events: Take part in various networking, corporate, and charity events throughout the year.
• Refer a Friend Scheme: Get rewarded for referring talented friends and connections to join the team. Successful candidates will be subject to a basic or enhanced DBS disclosure dependent on the role. Permanent employment is conditional on having a satisfactory DBS check. You will therefore be asked to disclose any unspent convictions during the recruitment process.