Legal Assistant (Private Client)

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.

We are seeking an organised, proactive and professional Legal Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to our Private Client team. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting fee earners with a varied caseload involving wills, probate, estate administration, lasting powers of attorney, trusts and Court of Protection matters.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, exceptional client care skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy legal environment.

This is a great opportunity to build a long-term career in the legal profession. For eligible candidates without a law degree, fully funded Level 3 and Level 5 Legal Apprenticeships are available, offering the opportunity to work towards a recognised CILEX qualification while gaining valuable experience and developing your career with the firm.

You will be responsible for:

• Provide full secretarial and administrative support to fee earners within the Private Client department.
• Accurately transcribe legal correspondence, court documents, reports, and other legal documentation from digital audio recordings while maintaining strict confidentiality and attention to detail.
• Draft routine letters and documents from precedents and fee earner instructions.
• Manage diaries, schedule appointments, meetings and client reviews.
• Handle incoming telephone calls and enquiries professionally, taking accurate messages and responding where appropriate.
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail, emails and other correspondence.
• Act as a professional first point of contact for clients, beneficiaries, executors and third parties.
• Maintain a courteous, empathetic and confidential approach when dealing with sensitive client matters.
• Onboarding new clients, including issuing engagement documentation and obtaining identification in accordance with anti-money laundering (AML) requirements.
• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding administrative aspects of their matters.
• Assist with preparation of probate application documentation.
• Prepare engrossments of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Trust documentation.
• Assist with registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney.
• Ensure documents are correctly filed and scanned into the case management system.
• Maintain strict client confidentiality at all times.
• Comply with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations and all firm policies.
• Any other duties as directed by your line manager or Director.

What you’ll need:

• Previous experience as a Legal Assistant within a UK law firm is desirable but not essential.
• Experience working in Private Client, Wills & Probate or a similar legal department is desirable but not essential.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Experience using legal case management systems and digital dictation software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding organisational and time management skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Professional and confidential approach to sensitive information.
• Excellent client care and interpersonal skills.
• Strong team player.

What you'll 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.
• Career Development Opportunity: Fully funded places on Level 3 and Level 5 Legal Apprenticeships are available to eligible candidates who do not hold a law degree but are looking to build a long-term career in the legal profession. Successful candidates will work towards a recognised CILEX qualification, with the opportunity to progress to further professional qualifications and develop their legal career with the firm.
• 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.
• Discounted Childcare: Benefit from an agreed discounted rate at a nearby nursery, helping to make childcare more affordable and convenient.

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.