Private Client/Legal Assistant

Wetherby
Permanent on site role
Salary DOE

We are seeking an experienced Private Client/Legal Assistant to join a busy, client-focused Private Client team based in Wetherby. The successful candidate will support a varied caseload of wills, probate, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney matters, providing high-quality administrative and technical assistance, proactive case progression and excellent client care within a collaborative firm that values technical competence, continuous professional development and high standards.

This role will involve preparing and managing documentation for wills and estate planning, assisting with probate applications and estate administration, supporting lasting powers of attorney and deputyship work, and assisting with client-facing tasks such as client care and AML checks. The post offers opportunities for professional development, involvement in process improvement and hybrid working after successful completion of the probationary period.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive administrative and case management support across wills, probate and lasting powers of attorney matters from instruction through to completion, ensuring timely progression, accurate documentation and excellent client service.
• Draft and prepare documentation including client care letters, engagement paperwork, wills, codicils, probate application forms, estate administration documents, HMRC forms and correspondence under supervision.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of probate applications, liaise with HM Courts & Tribunals Service, banks, solicitors and third parties to collect information and progress matters.
• Support the management of estate administration tasks including asset identification, valuation, distribution of assets, payment of liabilities and the preparation of estate accounts under senior oversight.
• Undertake client care and AML checks, verify identity and source of funds, maintain audit-ready file records and ensure compliance with the firm’s risk, file management and regulatory procedures.
• Maintain and update case management systems, including opening files, recording time accurately, and assisting with billing and preparing fee estimates where required.
• Provide excellent client communication by responding to routine enquiries, arranging appointments, taking detailed instructions and keeping clients updated on progress in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by developing and maintaining precedents, checklists and workflows; identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the client experience.
• Provide support to colleagues and assist with training and mentoring of more junior staff where appropriate; participate in team meetings and knowledge-sharing to foster a supportive environment.