Due to internal progression, we are seeking an experienced and proactive Legal Assistant to join our Residential Property team in our busy Braintree office.
This is an excellent opportunity to support two friendly and experienced Residential Property Lawyers, assisting with a varied caseload and playing a key role in delivering an exceptional client experience throughout the conveyancing process.
The successful candidate will support fee earners across the full range of residential conveyancing transactions from commencement through to completion.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Conveyancing Duties
- Assisting fee earners with freehold and leasehold sale and purchase matters, transfers of equity, remortgages and related residential property transactions.
- Liaising confidently with clients, estate agents, mortgage lenders and solicitors at all stages of the transaction.
- Providing regular updates to clients via telephone and email, ensuring excellent levels of communication and client care.
- Ordering, reviewing and interpreting property searches where required.
- Drafting mortgage reports and preparing comprehensive contract packs for sales transactions.
- Collating Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Source of Funds documentation for fee earner review.
- Preparing transfers and other conveyancing documentation.
- Preparing Certificates of Title and requesting mortgage funds from lenders.
- Assisting with exchange and completion processes, including running completions where appropriate.
- Submitting applications to HM Land Registry when required.
- Supporting fee earners with all post-exchange and post-completion matters.
- Delivering a high standard of service to clients and introducers at all times.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing clients and professional contacts.
- Identifying opportunities to cross-refer services across the firm where appropriate.
- Closing files in accordance with firm procedures.
- Managing credit and debit balances and conducting ledger reviews.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date files, ensuring deadlines and compliance requirements are consistently met.
- Ensuring all paperwork is processed efficiently and filed appropriately.
- Providing administrative and secretarial support to the Residential Property team, with priority support to allocated fee earners.
- Assisting with secretarial cover during periods of planned and unplanned absence.
WHAT SKILLS & EXPERIENCE DO I NEED
Experience
- Previous conveyancing experience gained within a similar legal support role.
- Strong understanding of residential conveyancing processes and procedures.
- Confidence in supporting and progressing residential property transactions.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Able to prioritise a busy workload and work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Holmes & Hills, we pride ourselves on our collaborative, respectful and authentic culture. We are a modern and progressive law firm committed to delivering exceptional client service while supporting the wellbeing and professional development of our people.
Our benefits include:
- Competitive salary
- Supportive, relaxed and flexible working environment
- 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Medicash cashback scheme after one year of service
- Life insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Physical and mental wellbeing support, including 24/7 virtual GP access
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Family-friendly policies and family events leave
- Company sick pay
- Cycle to Work scheme
