Trainee Paralegal - Private Client/Wills & Probate

Job description

Lyons Davidson is a national law practice of around 1,000 employees operating from offices in Bristol, Solihull, Leeds, Surrey, Plymouth, Cardiff and London, and our associated practice in Edinburgh, Lyons Davidson Scotland LLP. We also have employees based in onsite client offices in Birmingham and Whitstable.

We are a full service legal Company committed to delivering high-quality professional services in a cost-effective and approachable manner to institutions, businesses and individuals.

Purpose:
We have an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Paralegal to undertake a mixture of fee-earning and administrative responsibilities within our Private Client department, based in Bristol. The role will involve assisting the team, predominately with Will writing, but also probate, tax and trusts.

You will be responsible for undertaking the administration and progression of private client files under minimum supervision; preparing wills, letters and related documents, file management and liaising with clients.

Duties/Responsibilities:
• General administration such as opening and closing files, sending out appointment letters, scanning and filing;
• Research for new matters and client queries, including dealing with miscellaneous requests and Will referrals;
• Management of the Wills & Deeds database and mail shots;
• Preparation of Legal Help Wills & Simple Wills;
• Finalising Will files and preparing invoices;
• Give advice to clients where appropriate;
• Drafting letters and documents;
• File maintenance;
• Preparing court bundles;
• Administration duties;
• Any other tasks as required.

Skills/Competencies required:
• To be able to prioritise work, meet targets and multitask;
• Numerate and comfortable with figures;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work well under pressure;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Energetic, tenacious and a committed team player;
• Excellent computer skills;
• Exceptional client service in both a professional and personal manner;
• Methodical approach to planning and organisation.
• A genuine interest and desire to work within a Private Client department and develop fee-earning knowledge and expertise in this area;
• Proven administrative or secretarial experience within a Private Client law department would be advantageous;
• Some exposure to Will preparation is useful but not essential.

Education:
• GCSE level English and Maths (or equivalent) is essential;
• Law degree/LPC/ILEX is desirable;
• A relevant elective or module studied at university or college would be advantageous.

Why Join us?
With Investors in People accreditation since 1998, we positively encourage our staff to progress and develop within the Company. We recognise that our continued growth and success is the direct result of the contribution of our staff.

Our wide range of benefits, include a generous holiday entitlement, flexible benefits (including pension, childcare vouchers, bikes for work and health screening), bonus scheme and development opportunities. We have an active social committee and support various charities/fundraising events across the UK.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates.

Please note that any offer of employment is subject to a satisfactory credit check and Basic criminal record check. This information will only be used to assess suitability for employment insofar as it is relevant.