Legal Secretary - Residential Property

Department: Residential Leasehold

Location: Bournemouth

Salary: £26,000 - £27,500

Purpose of the Role

My client, a leading law firm, are recruiting for a Property Legal Secretary to join the Residential Leasehold department in their Bournemouth office. Within the role you will be responsible for providing a comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to the head of Residential Leasehold, ensuring the efficient progression of leasehold property matters and delivering a high standard of client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide secretarial and administrative support to the head of Residential Leasehold.
• Prepare, format and amend legal documents, correspondence and reports using digital dictation and case management systems.
• Manage diaries, appointments, meetings and deadlines.
• Open new client files and complete client onboarding procedures, including AML and identity verification checks.
• Liaise professionally with clients, estate agents, freeholders, managing agents, mortgage lenders and other solicitors.
• Handle incoming telephone calls, emails and correspondence, taking messages and responding where appropriate.
• Maintain and update electronic and paper filing systems in accordance with firm procedures.
• Assist with leasehold transactions including:
• Sales and purchases of leasehold properties.
• Lease extensions.
• Deeds of variation.
• Transfers of equity.
• Enfranchisement matters.
• Request and review management information packs and leasehold documentation.
• Prepare completion statements and assist with the exchange and completion process.
• Use the firm's case management system to accurately record progress and key dates.
• Assist with billing, file closing procedures and archiving.
• Ensure compliance with firm policies, regulatory requirements and data protection legislation.
• Provide reception and general office support when required.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Previous experience as a Legal Secretary, preferably within Residential Property or Conveyancing.
• Excellent typing and document production skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Excellent communication and client care skills.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and manage competing priorities.

Desirable

• Experience working with case management systems.
• Knowledge of leasehold property transactions and terminology.
• Experience using legal case management systems and digital dictation software.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Professional and courteous manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Confidential and trustworthy approach to handling sensitive information.
• Proactive and flexible attitude.
• Commitment to providing excellent client service.

Working Relationships

The post holder will work closely with:

• Solicitors, Conveyancers and Legal Executives.
• Clients.
• Estate Agents.
• Mortgage Lenders.
• Freeholders and Managing Agents.
• Other legal professionals and external stakeholders.