Private Property Paralegal (12mth FTC)

About Withersworldwide

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.

The Department

Our global base includes clients buying and selling family homes, city pied-à-terre, country estates and cottages, clients with international property interests, landed estate owners, residential developers, and both individual and commercial investors building up residential real estate portfolios.

Residential Property

The team advises both domestic and international clients on buying and selling residential real estate, residential development sites in the UK and provides a range of services relating to the acquisition and holding of real estate assets.  In addition, we manage acquisitions in other foreign jurisdictions and co-ordinate advice on tax-efficient structures for holding. 

Many of our clients spend substantial sums on developing and renovating their real estate and we assist in the negotiation and appointment of designers, architects and other professionals, as well as guiding them through the complexities of obtaining the necessary permits. Where properties are to be let out (leased), we advise both landlords and tenants on issues surrounding short-term rental agreements.

Landed Estates

As well as acting on a wide range of transactions including estates, country houses, grouse moors, we also focus increasingly on commercial requirements of landed clients and help devise innovative solutions to problems associated with owning country land in the 21st century. Issues range from inheritance tax planning, land management issues, agricultural tenancies, boundary disputes, land development opportunities involving leisure and tourism and the political sensitivities relating to conservation and the environment.

The Role

The Private Property team have a high profile in both the landed estates and the London residential property market, and we have a fantastic opportunity for a Paralegal to join the team.

With a team of more than 20 lawyers drawn from different areas within the firm, we are able to provide multidisciplinary advice for landowners, whether they hold private rural property, historic estates with houses open to the public, or newly acquired farms.

Areas of focus and responsibilities (this is a broad but not exhaustive list):

• Assisting on all aspects of residential property purchase (some new build) and sale files
• Drafting contracts
• Carrying our Land Registry searches
• Preparing and submitting property searches
• Preparing SDLT forms
• Preparing Land Registry Forms and Applications
• Dealing with Land Registry requisitions
• Preparing completion statements and cash statements
• Reconciling matter balances, closing files and archiving

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Person Specification

• Previous experience working as a Paralegal is desirable but not essential
• Familiarity with technology e.g. excel
• Be able to work as part of a team
• Strong academics
• Good written and communication skills

The Essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• 12-week probation period
• 4 weeks' notice period
• This role is a 12-month fixed term contract
• Flexible benefit package

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide 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 Withersworldwide 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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