Property Paralegal

Property Paralegal – Residential Conveyancing
Location: St Albans
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: £25,000 – £28,000 per annum, depending on experience

Role Overview

An opportunity has arisen for an organised and proactive Property Paralegal to join a busy residential conveyancing team in St Albans. The successful candidate will have a minimum of two years’ experience in a law firm and will be capable of assisting with a broad range of residential sales, purchases and post-completion matters, under the supervision of a fee earner.

This role will suit a candidate who is methodical, client-focused and able to manage a varied workload efficiently. The successful applicant should be ready to contribute from the outset and support the team in progressing matters from instruction through to post-completion.

Key Responsibilities

General Conveyancing Support

Assist fee earners with the day-to-day management of residential conveyancing files.

Open new files and carry out initial administrative procedures in accordance with the firm’s policies.

Undertake client due diligence, source of funds/source of wealth checks and other compliance procedures as required.

Prepare client care documentation and ensure files are maintained accurately and in good order.

Keep case management systems and internal records fully updated.

Liaise with clients, estate agents, mortgage brokers, lenders, solicitors and management companies in a professional and timely manner.

Monitor key dates, deadlines and undertakings to ensure matters progress efficiently.

Deal with routine telephone and email enquiries and provide regular updates to clients and third parties.

Sales Transactions

With appropriate supervision from a fee earner, the role will include:

Drafting and issuing contract packs.

Obtaining official copies and title documents from HM Land Registry.

Ordering freehold and leasehold management information packs.

Corresponding with landlords, managing agents and management companies.

Requesting redemption statements from lenders.

Reviewing enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitors and preparing draft replies for approval.

Assisting clients in providing information and documents required to respond to enquiries.

Liaising with estate agents and clients regarding transaction progress.

Preparing transfer documentation for approval.

Assisting with exchange of contracts.

Attending to completion and dealing with associated administrative steps.

Assisting with the discharge of mortgages and other sale-related formalities.

Purchase Transactions

With appropriate supervision from a fee earner, the role will include:

Ordering conveyancing searches and monitoring results.

Reviewing search result and reporting relevant issues to the fee earner.

Reviewing mortgage offers and identifying key conditions for the fee earner’s attention.

Reviewing replies to enquiries and supporting the fee earner in raising any follow-up enquiries.

Liaising with clients, estate agents, lenders and brokers regarding transaction progress.

Drafting transfer deeds and other ancillary conveyancing documents.

Drafting deeds of covenant, notices and other leasehold documentation where required.

Preparing draft property reports and title documentation for approval by the fee earner.

The preparation and drafting completion statements.

Carrying out pre-exchange and pre-completion searches, including priority and bankruptcy searches.

Assisting with exchange of contracts.

Preparing and submitting certificates of title to lenders, where appropriate.

Assisting with completion, including requesting mortgage funds and preparing completion packs.

Coordinating completion arrangements with all parties and ensuring funds are dealt with promptly and accurately.

Preparation and drafting of completion statements.

Post-Completion Matters

Drafting and submitting SDLT returns within the relevant time limits.

Preparing and submitting AP1 applications.

Preparing and submitting first registration applications.

Drafting RX forms and other Land Registry forms as required.

Dealing with straightforward HM Land Registry requisitions.

Serving notices on landlords and management companies where required.

Updating lender portals and attending to post-completion lender requirements.

Ensuring completed registration documents are sent to clients and lenders as appropriate.

Closing files in accordance with firm procedures, including archiving and final file checks.

Candidate Requirements

A minimum of two years’ experience working in a law firm.

Previous experience handling residential conveyancing matters, including both sales and purchases.

Good working knowledge of the conveyancing process from instruction to post-completion.

Experience of dealing with leasehold transactions would be advantageous.

Familiarity with HM Land Registry procedures and SDLT requirements.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a busy workload.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

A professional and client-focused approach.

Confidence in working both independently and as part of a team.

Competence in using case management systems and standard Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Skills and Experience

Experience of dealing with management companies and leasehold property transactions.

Experience of preparing first registration applications.

Familiarity with lender portals and mortgage lender requirements.

Previous experience of handling straightforward Land Registry requisitions.

An understanding of law firm compliance procedures, including anti-money laundering requirements.

Personal Attributes

Exceptionally organised and methodical.

Able to work calmly under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Proactive and willing to take ownership of tasks.

Reliable, adaptable and commercially aware.

Committed to providing a high standard of client service.

Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Property Paralegal seeking a full-time role within a residential conveyancing team in St Albans. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting fee earners across a varied caseload and ensuring transactions progress smoothly and efficiently
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed