The Commercial Assistant is required to offer support to their assigned Lawyer who has conduct of the client files. In addition to duties required of a secretary, the Commercial Assistant, whilst overseen by the Lawyer, will work to ensure files are progressed promptly and in line with procedures and regulations. This includes a broad range of administrative duties as well as communicating with clients and third parties. All tasks will be completed utilising the case management system to keep a complete and accurate audit trail of activities.
Responsibilities
- Provide general administrative support to Lawyer.
- Handle communication with clients, other side lawyers, estate agents, business brokers and other third parties, as required.
- Deal with new business enquiries and provide quotes to prospective clients as directed and approved by the Lawyer.
- Open new files.
- Gather and record necessary documentation to meet AML and KYC regulation on files, liaising with clients as required.
- Prepare sale packs.
- Request and obtain items such as searches and indemnity policies from agreed providers on transactions.
- Obtain documents as required from HM Land Registry.
- Type up or produce basic legal documents and correspondence as directed by the Lawyer.
- Answer and direct phone calls, including dealing with administrative and straight-forward enquiries.
- Handle exchange of contracts and completion of non-complex legal documents as directed and approved by the Lawyer.
- Preparing engrossments for signature by clients.
- Prepare files for completion including obtaining redemption statements, drafting completion statements, internal paperwork and appropriate letters.
- Generate bills as requested by the Lawyer.
- Deal with completions; ensure payments are sent and received and request necessary cheques etc; liaise with clients, estate agents, business brokers and other third parties; and submit SDLT returns.
- Deal with applications to Land Registry including AP1s, RX1, CN1s, FR1s, etc.
- Assist with Companies House filings.
- Assist with requisitions from HM Land Registry and issuing responses where required.
- Assist with file closures/archiving.
- Any other task reasonably required of the Commercial Assistant as requested by the Lawyer or Practice Group Leader.
Requirements and skills
- Proven working understanding of tasks listed under responsibilities, likely obtained in a previous role as a Commercial Assistant, Legal Secretary or similar.
- Familiarity with law, legal procedures and protocols.
- Knowledge of day-to-day operations of a legal office.
- Computer literacy with a good understanding of MS Office software.
- Proficiency in English.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Good telephone manner.
Job Type:
- Full-time, Permanent
Please submit your resume with a covering email or ask more questions to hr@heringtons.com