Paralegal or Solicitor (Private Client)

Date Posted: 24/02/2023

Location: Perth or Stirling

Job Description

Position Type: Full Time

Our busy Private Client department are looking for an enthusiastic and outgoing individual to join their team. The role is open to either a Paralegal or a Solicitor and can be based in either our office in Perth or our office in Stirling.

ABOUT US

Aberdein Considine is an award-winning law firm and this is a great opportunity to work in an innovative, challenging and rewarding work environment. In return for your hard work, you will be paid a competitive salary, receive an excellent benefits package and be part of a generous incentive and bonus scheme.

ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT

Provide Executry Services to clients
Provide Estate Planning Advice (covering Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Asset Protection & Tax Mitigation) to clients
Provide support to branch network in Private Client matters.

JOB PURPOSE

To manage a varied personal caseload of Private Client work.
To support solicitors and other fee-earners within the department.
To carry out administrative functions within the department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To attend to all day-to-day aspects of the administration of estates:-

- Meeting clients to take instructions, including explaining the executry process generally.

- Communicating with other professionals, financial institutions, and service providers.

- Investigating assets in executry estates.

- Framing estate Inventory and Inheritance Tax forms; Meeting clients to explain and review same.

- Realisation of estate assets, including obtaining payment of cash balances and transfer of assets to beneficiaries.

- Accounting to executors and beneficiaries.

- Distribution of estates to beneficiaries.

- Open communication with clients throughout, including provision of regular, unprompted updates.

Preparing Wills and Powers of Attorney:-

- Meeting clients to take initial instructions on Wills and Powers of Attorney.

- Drafting Wills and Powers of Attorney in line with instructions.

- Meeting clients to review and execute documents.

- Identifying potential complexities and obtaining guidance from more experienced or senior colleagues as appropriate.

Pro-active management of individual caseload.
Cross-selling of legal, property and financial services.
Supervising, supporting, developing and training of less experienced or qualified team members;
Working with partners and fee-earners to review existing policies, practices and precedents.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential (for Solicitor vacancy)

LLB degree in Scots Law
Diploma in Professional Legal Practice

Desirable

SPA registered paralegal (for paralegal vacancy)
SOLAS or STEP qualification

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

NQ to 5 years PQE in Private Client work (for Solicitor vacancy)
Competent IT skills
Good oral and written communications skills
Strong organisational skills

Desirable

Experience of using case management software.

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

Good understanding of the executry process and succession law.

Desirable

Understanding of different types of financial products.
Knowledge of Succession Law.
General legal knowledge spanning other practice areas.

APTITUDES

Essential

A professional and sympathetic approach to dealing with clients during sensitive periods.
Ability to work to strict timescales and deadlines.
Attention to detail.
A team player.
Ability to problem solve and see ‘bigger picture’.
Commercial awareness.