Conveyancing Assistant

Join our dedicated client team as Conveyancing Assistant, based in Leighton Buzzard. The successful candidate will provide high-quality administrative and legal support across a varied residential and small-commercial conveyancing caseload, ensuring matters progress efficiently, documentation is accurate and clients receive excellent care within a collaborative firm that values technical competence, attention to detail, continuous professional development and high standards. This role will involve supporting fee-earners with all stages of conveyancing transactions including client intake, searches, contract preparation, exchange and completion processes, and post-completion administration. The post offers opportunities for professional development, involvement in process improvement and hybrid working following successful completion of the probationary period. Key responsibilities: Provide proactive administrative and legal support across a mixed-complexity conveyancing caseload from client intake through to matter closure, ensuring timely progression, accurate record keeping and high standards of client care. Carry out client care and AML procedures, verify identity where required, open and close files and maintain audit-ready matter records in accordance with the firm’s policies and regulatory requirements. Prepare, check and issue correspondence, engagement letters, retainer documents and client information packs; record and update client instructions promptly and accurately. Obtain and review searches, replies to enquiries, title documents, leases and other transaction documentation; prepare basic reports, summaries and due diligence schedules for fee-earners. Draft and complete standard conveyancing forms, transfer deeds, SDLT submissions, Land Registry forms and completion statements under supervision; ensure accurate execution and submission of statutory documentation. Liaise with clients, estate agents, lenders, surveyors, local authorities and third parties to obtain information, chase outstanding matters and progress transactions towards exchange and completion; escalate issues to fee-earners as appropriate. Assist with handling client funds, disbursement tracking and fee invoicing in line with firm procedures; prepare estimates of costs and disbursements and support billing processes. Use and maintain case management systems and e-conveyancing/transactional platforms; record time, update matter milestones and help ensure digital precedents and templates are used consistently. Support fee-earners at client meetings and telephone conferences where necessary; prepare attendance notes, transaction timetables and checklist updates to ensure efficient matter progression. Key skills and experience required: At least 6 months working in residential or mixed conveyancing within a legal practice, conveyancer’s office or similar environment. Practical experience preparing or checking conveyancing documentation including searches, Land Registry forms, transfer deeds and SDLT returns; accuracy in drafting and checking documents is essential. Good understanding of the conveyancing process including pre-contract enquiries, contract exchange, completion procedures and post-completion registration; awareness of common issues and escalation points. Excellent client care and communication skills with the ability to manage client expectations, keep clients informed and handle enquiries professionally and courteously. Organised and able to manage competing priorities and a varied workload; strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision when required. Ability to work collaboratively within a team, support colleagues and contribute positively to firm culture; professional discretion and confidentiality are essential. Proficiency with case management systems, e-conveyancing portals and standard office IT applications; willingness to adopt and help embed digital workflows and precedents. Commercial awareness with the ability to appreciate client objectives and to identify opportunities to add value to matters where appropriate. Commitment to personal and professional development and to supporting the delivery of client-focused conveyancing services; willingness to undertake CPD and relevant training as required.