Conveyancing Legal Secretary
Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Department: Residential Conveyancing
Position: Full-Time, Permanent
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Conveyancing Legal Secretary to join our established Residential Conveyancing team based in Chelmsford. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised and proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced legal environment and is committed to providing exceptional support to fee earners and clients.
The successful candidate must have previous experience working as a Legal Secretary within a Residential Conveyancing department and be confident managing a varied workload while delivering a high standard of client care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to one or more Conveyancing Solicitors and Fee Earners.
- Prepare, amend and format legal documents, correspondence and contracts using digital dictation.
- Manage fee earners' diaries, appointments and meetings.
- Open and close client files in accordance with firm procedures.
- Conduct client onboarding, including ID verification and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance checks.
- Liaise professionally with clients, estate agents, mortgage lenders, solicitors and other third parties throughout the conveyancing process.
- Prepare completion statements, invoices and legal documentation.
- Request searches and assist with Land Registry applications.
- Handle telephone and email enquiries promptly and professionally.
- Manage incoming and outgoing post and maintain accurate filing systems.
- Ensure case management systems are kept up to date with accurate information.
- Support the team to ensure transactions progress efficiently from instruction through to completion.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all regulatory and firm procedures.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous experience as a Legal Secretary within a Residential Conveyancing department is essential.
- Excellent knowledge of the residential conveyancing process.
- Strong audio typing and digital dictation skills.
- Experience using legal case management systems.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook and Excel.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a busy workload.
- Strong attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
- Professional communication skills with a confident and friendly telephone manner.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Excellent client care and interpersonal skills.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will be:
- Professional, reliable and well presented.
- Proactive with a positive attitude.
- Calm under pressure and able to work to deadlines.
- Highly organised with excellent time management skills.
- A strong team player who is willing to support colleagues.
- Committed to delivering outstanding client service.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Full-time permanent position.
- Company pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Friendly and supportive working environment.
- Modern offices in Chelmsford with excellent transport links.
- Opportunity to join a well-established and respected law firm with genuine career development opportunities.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.