Secretary jobs in Colchester

Job Role: Private Client Legal Assistant

Location: Colchester

Salary: From £28,000 +

(Depending on experience) + other benefits

Hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

We are seeking a experienced Private Client - Legal Assistant to join our esteemed legal team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal support professional who enjoys working closely with clients and wants to play a meaningful role in the delivery of a high-quality private client service.

Working alongside a Senior Solicitor/Director, you will provide practical and organisational support across a varied caseload, while also becoming an important point of contact for clients throughout their matters.

The opportunity

This is a client- focused position where attention to detail, organisation and communication are just as important as legal administration.

You will help keep matters moving, ensure clients are kept informed and provide dependable support to the fee earner across a range of private client work.

The successful candidate will be someone who takes ownership, spots what needs doing and is comfortable dealing with clients who may be going through sensitive or significant life events.

Key areas of responsibility

Supporting clients

• Build positive and professional relationships with clients from initial contact through to completion
• Respond to enquiries promptly and deal with sensitive information with appropriate discretion
• Keep clients updated on progress and make sure they understand the next steps
• Take ownership of queries where possible and escalate matters appropriately when required
• Work closely with the solicitor to identify and resolve potential issues at an early stage
• Provide a calm, approachable and reassuring point of contact throughout the client's matter

Legal and casework support

• Provide day-to-day assistance to the Senior Solicitor/Director across a varied private client caseload
• Prepare correspondence, legal documentation and other paperwork accurately and professionally
• Assist with the initial set-up of new matters and gather information from clients and relevant third parties
• Monitor key dates, appointments and outstanding actions
• Help ensure matters progress efficiently and deadlines are met
• You will liaise with clients and third parties to obtain information, chase outstanding documentation and help move matters forward.

File and administration management

• Keep electronic and physical files accurate, organised and up to date
• Follow internal procedures for file management and client onboarding
• Maintain clear records of correspondence, documentation and actions
• Make effective use of the firm's case management systems
• Ensure important information can be easily located and matters remain well organised

Financial administration

• Assist with preparing client bills and monitoring financial aspects of matters
• Process payments and disbursements as required
• Help ensure financial information is recorded accurately
• Support clear and transparent communication with clients regarding costs

Compliance

• Follow the firm's procedures and relevant regulatory requirements
• Handle confidential client information appropriately at all times
• Maintain high standards around data protection, file security and confidentiality
• Flag potential compliance or risk issues to the appropriate fee earner

Working with colleagues and external contacts

• Work collaboratively with solicitors and colleagues across the business
• Communicate professionally with external organisations and advisers
• Liaise with organisations such as banks, financial advisers and HMRC where appropriate
• Contribute to a positive, supportive and professional working environment

About you

We're looking for someone who is organised, personable and comfortable working in a client-focused legal environment.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• Previous experience in a legal support, legal assistant or similar role
• Experience within Private Client, Wills & Estates Probate would be advantageous
• Other areas of law such as family or personal injury could be beneficial
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A naturally professional and empathetic approach to client care
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• The ability to organise your own workload and manage competing priorities
• A proactive approach, with the confidence to take ownership of tasks
• Good judgement when dealing with confidential or sensitive information
• A positive and dependable approach to working as part of a team

If you have solid legal support experience, strong client skills and an interest in developing further within Private Client, we'd be interested in hearing from you.

Why apply?

This is an opportunity to join a professional legal environment where you'll have genuine involvement in the client journey rather than simply providing administrative support behind the scenes.

You'll work closely with an experienced senior fee earner, gain exposure to a broad range of private client matters and become an important part of the team.

Interested?

Top Job Recruitment is handling this vacancy. If you'd like to find out more about the role, we'd be pleased to have a confidential conversation with you.

CO

Pay: From £28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person