Legal Assistant

HCB Solicitors are currently looking for an experienced Legal Assistant/Secretary to support a Solicitor in the growing Commercial Property department at our Bedford office.
Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain Fee Earner’s diaries arranging meetings and appointments
• Deal with routine client correspondence and queries
• Opening and closing files
• Attend to clients both in person and on the telephone in a manner in keeping with the firm’s standard of client care
• Create and maintain client records on the firm’s database ensuring that all correspondence and file notes are recorded on the system, in accordance with HCB’s and Lexcel’s requirements
• Produce client correspondence and enclosures for mailing including client bills
• Ensure the confidentiality of the client and firm’s information and documentation  at all times
• Maintain client hard copy files including copying, storage and retrieval of information
• Request payments and record receipts of client monies
• Produce client correspondence via dictated notes
• Submitting SDLT forms to HMRC
• Submitting applications to register properties with Land Registry
• Assisting with drafting Contract Packs, Transfer Forms and other legal documents
• Reception Cover as and when needed / advised

The ideal candidate should have:

• Previous experience working as a Legal Assistant/Secretary
• Great communication skills and an ability to work well with others
• Ability to work under time constraints and prioritise work load
• Able to handle sensitive matters discreetly
• Good organisation skills with a methodical approach
• Self-motivated and proactive
• Deliver excellent service to clients and colleagues

• Pension – The Peoples Partnership, 3% employer and 5% employee contribution which can be increased. Auto enrolled after 3 months but can join sooner if you wish.

• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays.

• Christmas week closure.

• Holiday purchase scheme – Purchase 3 extra days per year. (Reviewed annually)

• Bonus holiday scheme (up to 12 additional days leave a year, for each monthly target achieved).

• Online training courses.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Monthly fun events with prizes.

• Medicash Scheme and EAP (enrolled after a 3 month probation period)