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.


How Do I Apply?

Online: Application Form

Download: Application Form

E-mail: hr@acandco.com

Mail: Human Resources Department
Aberdein Considine
5 - 9 Bon-Accord Crescent
Aberdeen
AB11 6DN