Trust Paralegal (12mth FTC)

About Withers

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

Private Client and Tax division

Today, we are the only global law firm dedicated to the personal and private capital needs of high-net-worth individuals and families.

Many of our clients are international families with interests in a number of locations. In a fast-moving and increasingly compliance focused world, the need for integrated advice that reaches across borders has never been greater. With offices across Europe, the United States and Asia-Pacific we provide coverage that other law firms in this area cannot match. Our team of experienced private client solicitors continually look for opportunities to ensure we have a strong presence in the locations where our clients live, work and invest.

Our advice to fiduciaries covers the design and implementation of new plans, as well as the modernization and consolidation of older trusts. We also assist them in complying with the complex rules surrounding investments, accounting, taxes and compliance.

Our global private client & tax team is the largest private client legal practice in the world with around 300 fee earners, in 16 of our 18 offices and revenues near $150m.  Private client work is at the heart of what we do as a firm, and is the firm's largest division, with revenues accounting for roughly 43% of the firm's total revenues. We advise on domestic and international tax, estate planning, succession and mental capacity laws in Europe, the US and Asia, as well as facilitating our client's philanthropic endeavours. We have immigration teams in the major financial centres and are well placed to deal with tax investigation and litigation cases. Real estate is very important to our clients, and we have a specialist residential and rural team.

The Role

We are looking for a highly experienced, and competent self-starter to assist the Trust Managers to deliver a premium service to trustees. The role will involve a high level of organisation and administration, together with client work to ensure work is completed in a timely and efficient manner and high levels of client service delivery are achieved.

You will work with a broad range of clients (including trustees, administrators, banks, and beneficiaries) in relation to a range of private client related legal matters. 

Key elements of the role include but not limited to:

• Legal research
• Attending client meetings – taking notes, coordinating actions and following up to ensure tasks are completed
• Organising meetings, managing e-mail inbox, diary management etc.
• Preparing first drafts of Terms of Engagement letters; using electronic file opening, ensuring anti-money laundering requirements are adhered to and requesting the necessary Know Your Client documentation
• Supporting Trust Managers in completing annual accounts, tax returns and providing beneficiaries and their accountants with necessary information
• Document management, review and analysis
• Maintaining trust records in an orderly fashion and meeting necessary deadlines
• Preparing draft documents including wills, letters of wishes, Lasting Powers of Attorneys and trust deeds
• Assisting in the registration of trusts onto the UK Trusts Register
• Assisting in the preparation of Inheritance Tax Accounts
• Assisting in the making of Gift Aid claims
• Assisting with the onboarding of new matters
• Producing accurate, high-quality work quickly and efficiently, using the firm's software packages and document management systems
• Liaising with investment managers, including drafting trustee investment policy statements
• Providing effective and proactive communication with clients, legal staff and other support staff
• Ensuring follow-up meetings are scheduled in a timely manner
• Resolving accounting queries and producing monthly bills using Elite 3E (finance and time recording system)
• General administrative duties

Key skills and experience

• Excellent organisation skills
• Passionate and enthusiastic about providing exceptional client service
• Previous experience working as a Paralegal (or in a similar role) is desirable
• An ability to work with others and demonstrating high levels of perseverance, gravitas and persuasiveness to keep projects on track
• An inquisitive nature and desire to make process improvements 
• Ability to acquire new skills and to understand sophisticated concepts
• The integrity to handle highly confidential information appropriately
• Technically competent in Word, PowerPoint and Excel etc.
• Flexible and can-do attitude and approach
• Strong research skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and stay calm under pressure
• Financial aptitude (for billing)
• Strong academics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

The essentials

• 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• 12-week probation period
• Four weeks' notice period
• A minimum of two days per week in the office
• This role is a 12-month fixed term contract
• Flexible benefit package

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withers endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withers operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withers to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.                                                                                            

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