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Private Client Paralegal - Blackpool/ Lancaster

Salary: From £25,000 per year, depending on experience

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, with a one-hour lunch break

Work arrangement: Office-based

About Berrys Solicitors

Berrys Solicitors is a long-standing, trusted and family-run firm with offices serving clients across Blackpool, Lancaster and the surrounding areas.

Our principal areas of practice are private client and property law. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, personal and professional service, building lasting relationships with our clients and supporting them through important stages in their personal and professional lives.

As part of our continued growth, we are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and ambitious Private Client Paralegal to join our team. The position may be based at either our Blackpool or Lancaster office.

The role

This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring solicitor or paralegal who wants to develop a career within private client law.

The successful candidate will initially work under the supervision and oversight of an experienced solicitor, assisting with a varied private client caseload. As their experience and confidence develop, they will be given increasing responsibility and the opportunity to take greater control of their own files.

The role will involve a combination of assisting solicitors and progressing matters independently, with appropriate support and supervision.

The successful candidate will gain experience across a broad range of private client matters, including:

• Wills and estate planning
• Probate and estate administration
• Trusts
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Court of Protection matters
• Deputyship applications and administration
• General elderly client matters
• Related property matters

Key responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting solicitors with a varied private client caseload
• Opening new matters and carrying out initial administrative and compliance procedures
• Communicating with clients by telephone, email, letter and in person
• Attending client meetings and taking detailed attendance notes
• Drafting Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and other legal documents
• Assisting with probate applications and the administration of estates
• Gathering information concerning assets, liabilities and beneficiaries
• Liaising with executors, beneficiaries, financial institutions, the Probate Registry and other third parties
• Assisting with Court of Protection and deputyship matters
• Preparing correspondence, forms and supporting documents
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date electronic and paper files
• Managing deadlines, appointments and key dates
• Ensuring that clients receive regular updates on the progress of their matters
• Carrying out legal research when required
• Assisting with related property matters where appropriate
• Progressing your own files as your experience and capability develop
• Complying with the firm’s policies, procedures and professional obligations
• Undertaking other reasonable duties to support the solicitors and wider team

Berrys Solicitors is committed to supporting the development of the right candidate.

The successful applicant will receive:

• Practical training and supervision from experienced legal professionals
• Exposure to a varied and interesting private client caseload
• Opportunities to develop responsibility for their own files
• Ongoing professional and career development
• The potential to undertake qualifying work experience
• The opportunity to progress towards qualification as a solicitor, subject to performance, examination results, attitude and the requirements of the relevant qualification route

Berrys Solicitors is committed to supporting the development of the right candidate.

We are looking for someone who wants to establish a long-term career with the firm and contribute positively to its continued growth.

• Salary from £25,000 per year, depending on experience
• Training and professional development
• Genuine career progression opportunities
• Supportive, family-run working environment
• Experience across a broad range of private client matters
• Opportunity to develop your own caseload
• Potential support towards qualification and career progression

Additional information

This is a full-time, office-based position. The successful candidate may occasionally be asked to attend the firm’s other office, although any requirement to travel between Blackpool and Lancaster will be discussed at interview.