Probate Officer/Paralegal

• Location: Suffolk
• Job Type: Full-time
• Salary: £25,000 to £35,000k

Join our client's dynamic Probate Administration team as a Probate Paralegal / Officer, where you will be entrusted with the comprehensive management of a portfolio of probate and intestacy administration case files from start to finish. This role is ideal for someone who is meticulous and committed to delivering professional and seamless service.

• Manage and conclude your own caseload of probate files in a timely and sensitive manner.
• Handle every stage of the legal process, from applying for a grant of letters of administration to distributing the estate.
• Engage extensively via telephone and other forms of correspondence with clients, beneficiaries, third-party solicitors, authorities, organisations, and other institutions.
• Ascertain the value of estates by identifying the deceased’s assets and debts, obtaining valuations, dealing with creditors, and securing at-risk estate assets.
• Prepare Inland Revenue tax returns and inheritance tax forms, collect assets, pay debts, prepare final accounts, conduct bankruptcy searches, and calculate the correct distribution.
• Advise on insurance questions and, where appropriate, obtain missing beneficiary indemnity insurance.
• Regularly liaise with genealogy research staff, Case Managers, and Senior Management to coordinate information and disseminate data.
• Develop and maintain good client relationships, managing all stakeholders effectively.
• Work with the team to develop the department’s processes and procedures and support team members as required.

• Experience in running a probate client caseload is desirable.
• Previous experience with the legal sector.
• Proficient in complex, multi-stakeholder probate administration work.
• Knowledge of the rules of intestacy and dealing with complex family relationships.
• Comprehensive understanding of the law concerning probate and all other areas of wills and probate work.
• Excellent organisational, written, and time management skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to manage own time, conflicting priorities, and deadlines.
• Strong business writing and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively using diplomacy, tact, and sensitivity.
• A team player who can also work independently.
• Personal and professional commitment with the initiative to raise the firm’s profile and recognise business opportunities.