We are seeking an experienced Senior Paralegal to join our busy and well-regarded Private Client team. This permanent, full-time role is based in the Oldham area with flexible hybrid working options available. The successful candidate will take responsibility for managing a varied private client caseload, providing high-quality technical and client-facing support to fee earners and delivering excellent client service across wills, trusts, probate and estate administration matters.

This role has so much opportunity to progress, with clear opportunity in the future.

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, hybrid working available.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage a varied private client caseload including wills, trusts, estate administration, probate applications (including obtaining Grants of Representation), intestacy, administration of estates and post-death client care.

• Draft, review and execute wills, trust deeds, lasting powers of attorney and other estate planning documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant legislation and firm procedures.

• Prepare probate applications (PA1P/PA1A), affidavits, inheritance tax forms, estate accounts and correspondence; liaise with HMRC, banks, executors, beneficiaries and other third parties to progress matters efficiently.

• Conduct detailed asset and title investigations, obtain valuations, identify liabilities and advise on practical steps for estate administration including distribution of assets and resolving entitlement issues.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic and paper file records, ensuring compliance with the firm’s risk, compliance and document retention policies and completing time recording and billing information in a timely manner.

• Liaise with professional advisers, financial institutions, tax authorities and other stakeholders to obtain required information and progress client matters.

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, client experience and risk controls within the team.

• Deliver excellent client care by managing expectations, providing clear and pragmatic updates and handling telephone and email enquiries professionally.

• Ensure adherence to Anti-Money Laundering, data protection and other regulatory obligations; carry out client onboarding and identity verification in line with firm procedures.

Key skills and experience required:

• Proven experience as a Senior Paralegal or equivalent in a private client team within a law firm or in-house legal setting, with a strong track record of managing complex wills, trusts, court of protection, and probate matters.

• Excellent technical knowledge of wills, probate procedure, trusts, lasting powers of attorney and inheritance tax matters.

• Experience preparing probate applications, estate accounts, inheritance tax returns and complex estate documentation with high attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines under pressure.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and sensitively to clients and other stakeholders.

• Proactive, collaborative and able to work independently as well as part of a team; demonstrable commitment to providing exceptional client care.

• Digital literacy, including experience with legal case management systems and Microsoft Office; familiarity with electronic filing and document management systems advantageous.

• Strong compliance awareness, including experience of AML checks, identity verification and maintaining confidentiality on sensitive matters.

Benefits and development:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience with clear opportunities for professional progression and increased responsibility within the team.

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements and a supportive, collaborative working culture.

• Support for training and professional development, including attendance at relevant courses, conferences and assistance with professional qualifications where applicable.

• Opportunities to work on a diverse range of private client matters and to develop broader technical and client management skills.