Sophia at Avocet Legal Careers is pleased to present an excellent opportunity for an experienced Legal Assistant to join a thriving Private Client team at a well-regarded law firm in Taunton.
This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with a dedicated fee earner, providing comprehensive support across a varied caseload of wills, probate, and estate administration matters.
About the Client
With offices across the South West, our client provides comprehensive legal services to both individuals and businesses. The firm prides itself on its friendly, confident, and professional approach, translating complex legal matters into plain English and building strong, lasting relationships with clients.
With a focus on employee wellbeing and professional development, they offer an excellent benefits package and create an environment where talented professionals can build rewarding careers.
About the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and self-sufficient Legal Assistant to provide dedicated support to a Private Client fee earner. As the sole assistant supporting this lawyer, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of a busy caseload encompassing wills, probate, estate administration, powers of attorney, and trusts. This position requires someone who is comfortable working independently, taking initiative, and managing their own workload with minimal supervision.
While you'll be working independently day-to-day, you'll be part of a supportive wider team and will have access to guidance when needed.
Private Client Legal Assistant Responsibilities
- Providing comprehensive administrative support to a Private Client fee earner
- Preparing wills, lasting powers of attorney, and trust documents from dictation or notes
- Managing estate administration files including preparing probate applications and estate accounts
- Liaising with clients, beneficiaries, executors, and third parties in a professional and empathetic manner
- Managing diaries and scheduling client appointments and meetings
- Opening and closing files in accordance with firm procedures
- Processing financial transactions and maintaining estate accounting records
- Handling telephone enquiries professionally and providing information to clients
- Working independently and using own initiative to progress matters
Private Client Legal Assistant Requirements
- Experienced office professional with previous legal secretarial or legal assistant experience
- Strong understanding of Private Client matters including wills, probate, and estate administration would be highly advantageous
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Professional, empathetic telephone manner when dealing with clients during difficult times
- Strong IT skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
- Experience with case management systems would be beneficial
- Ability to use own initiative and problem-solve effectively
- Self-motivated with proactive approach to work
- Resilient and able to work effectively under pressure
- Professional, reliable, and committed to delivering high-quality work
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance
- Healthcare coverage
- Life insurance
- Company pension scheme
- Supportive working environment
- Professional development opportunities
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced and self-sufficient Legal Assistant who thrives on working independently and taking ownership of their role. You'll be someone who combines strong administrative skills with excellent attention to detail and the confidence to manage your workload without constant supervision. Your previous experience, ideally within Private Client or a similar area, will have equipped you with the knowledge and skills to hit the ground running, while your proactive nature means you'll anticipate needs and take initiative to keep matters progressing smoothly. With excellent communication skills and a professional, empathetic approach, you'll build strong working relationships with the fee earner you support and provide compassionate service to clients during what can be difficult times
For a confidential discussion about this exciting opportunity, please get in touch with Sophia at Avocet Legal Careers today to discover more about this rewarding role.
📱 01392 642518
📨 sophia@avocetlegal.co.uk