Paralegal - Private Client

Wedlake Bell are recruiting a Paralegal to join our market-leading Private Client Group (Legal 500 and Chambers HNW ranked). This is a full-time, permanent position, with the expectation of full-time office attendance.

Our Private Client Group advises a wide range of clients from HNW and UHNW individuals, families and family offices, entrepreneurs, stewards of landed estates, charitable trustees, executors, amongst many others. Wedlake Bell has one of the longest-standing and most trusted Private Client practices in the City, and one of the largest teams at Wedlake Bell.

This paralegal role will provide key support to the Private Client team across a broad range of matters. You will assist with the day-to-day administration of trusts and estates (in particular, playing an integral role in the team's annual CRS/FATCA compliance project) as well as providing ad-hoc support on drafting legal documentation, client correspondence, matter management, legal research, etc. This is a highly varied paralegal role and you will gain high-quality hands-on experience with market-leading Private Client work.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about Private Client law, a keen eye for detail, and the drive to progress your career in this dynamic space. Prior experience in an established Private Client practice is highly desirable, it is not essential and we can provide full training.

Find out more about our Private Client practice here.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team!

Key Responsibilities:

Providing general paralegal support on a variety of Private Client matters, including:

• Assisting with the annual CRS/FATCA compliance project that the Private Client team undertakes each year for its portfolio of trusts. This will include assisting with coordinating and managing communications and data collection across a large volume of trusts, liaising with fee earners and (where appropriate) trustees/clients to ensure accurate, timely completion of due diligence, record‑keeping, and regulatory filings;

• Assisting with the day-to-day administration of estates, both testate and intestate and often with cross-border elements; including supporting on the preparation of estate accounts;

• Preparing applications for Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration;

• Preparation of legal documents related to Wills, Letters of Wishes, trusts, estate administration, and lasting powers of attorney (LPA);

• Dealing with routine client and/or third party queries and reporting to relevant fee earner with updates where necessary;

• Conducting legal research and providing summaries to support matter objectives;

• Managing matter files and ensuring all documentation is up-to-date and accurately filed;

• Supporting senior fee-earners in drafting reports, briefings, and correspondence;

• Participating in client meetings and taking accurate notes;

• Other administrative tasks including diarising and monitoring key dates, facilitating client on-boarding through drafting engagement letters and corresponding with clients regarding required AML documentation, assisting with preparing, reviewing and sending out bills, etc; and

• Other ad-hoc responsibilities as required.

Skills and Qualifications:

• A degree in Law (LLB) or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), ideally (but not essential) with demonstrable interest or modules in trusts, tax, or other fields related to the private client sector;

  · Ideally (but not essential) prior experience in a paralegal role within a private client practice;

  · Strong legal research skills and ideally familiarity with legal research and case management tools;

  · Excellent organisational abilities, capable of managing multiple priorities;

  · Proactive communication skills and comfortability in client-facing situations; and

  · High standards of professionalism and integrity.

Why Join Us?

• A competitive starting salary;

• A comprehensive pension plan;

• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;

• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;

• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;

• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;

• Enhanced parental leave policies;

• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;

• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and

• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.