Trainee Development Paralegal - Lincoln

We are a leading "Top 200" Law Firm and provider of wealth management services, based in Lincolnshire and across the Midlands. Established in 1856, we are considered to be one of the oldest law firms in the UK.

Benefits:

Some of the great benefits that we offer are:
•   Generous holiday entitlements
•   Staff discount on legal fees
•   Income protection
•   Life assurance at 3 x salary
•   Salary sacrifice pension scheme
•   Employee Assistance Programme

The role:

The successful candidate should have the ability to handle pressure and work to tight deadlines. They will be committed to providing excellent client care and satisfaction.

You will be involved in a broad range of matters to include, but not limited to, the following:-

•   Client, agent and solicitor liaison and assisting with enquires as directed;
•   Freehold conditional acquisitions and disposals;
•   Drafting simple transfers as allocated by supervisor;
•   Due diligence (ensuring client ID is up to date, client care letters sent out, completing/updating risk assessments etc);
•   Undertaking file openings, making initial contact with other Solicitors/Agents and carrying out necessary searches;
•   Utility company easements and transfers;
•   Time recording, filing and keeping paper files up to date.
•   Obtaining insurance quotes, keeping these up to date and putting them in place at exchange or completion (as applicable);
•   Putting together Reports on Title and Reports on Contract (prepared by supervisor) using PDFsam software;
•   Exchanges (including preparation of contract engrossments, formal requests for deposit funds, exchange statements if requested by client);
•   Completions(including preparation of completion statements) and post completion related correspondence and formalities. (to include Stamp Duty Land Tax, Companies House and Land Registry Registrations);
•   Keeping track of and dealing with deferred payments (consideration payable 12, 24, 36 months following completion) including preparation of DS3/DS1s and RX4s
•   Ensuring that balances are clear and files are closed at the end of the matter.

In addition, you will work with the Department’s Marketing Policy to promote and enhance the good reputation and business of the company.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

•   To provide an ongoing service to existing clients;
•   To work with Partners and other Fee Earners to develop new business;
•   Develop and enhance the Commercial Property Department, maximising cross referrals across all offices and areas of the business;
•   To produce fee income in line with targets and agreed objectives;
•   To keep informed of all changes in the Law and Practice in own area of work
•   Maintain and enhance up to date legal skills.
•   Financial control with particular regard to cash flow control through collection of monies on account and billing procedures.
•   Maintaining accurate daily records of time spent on client and internal work.
•   Perform fee earning work accurately, reliably and in accordance with the company’s quality and risk procedures.

Hours of Work: 09.00 – 17.15 hrs – Monday to Friday (36.25 hours per week)
Location: Lincoln
Salary: Depending upon Experience

Person Specification:
	Essential	Desirable
Qualifications	Law Degree or equivalent work based experience.	Experience within Law Firm. Experience with Commercial Property.
Knowledge	Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel and high levels of computer literacy. Knowledge of Land Registry portal and registration procedures.	Knowledge of case management systems. Solicitors Account Rules. Clear understanding of Money Laundering Regulations. Previous experience of Visual Files and SOS Connect
Skills	Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing. Ability to work with confidence. Strong planning and organisational skills.
Competencies	Ability to work in a structured and process driven way. Desire to provide a high quality service. Ability to prioritise workloads and meet tight deadlines. High level of integrity.
Attributes	Professional. Positive and flexible approach. The ability to travel between Chattertons offices Sense of Humour. Hardworking and positive attitude.	Full driving licence and access to car.

APPLY NOW

Please email your CV and covering letter to the HR Department: hr@chattertons.com

Chattertons recognises that it is essential to provide equal opportunities to all persons without discrimination. The firm has an Equality and Diversity Policy and this sets out the firm’s position on equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. This is available upon request.

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