Probate Paralegal

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.

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.

This practice generates approximately 55% of the partnership's revenues and is the largest in the world with over 300 people. 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 robust, career-minded Paralegal to join the Probate team.  Key elements of the role include:

• Assist with preparation of engagement letters
• Prepare letters and correspond with asset and liability holders
• Assist with preparation of estate summaries and ongoing review of estate summaries for progress updates
• Prepare inheritance tax forms and probate applications and arrange submission
• Prepare letters of authority and other necessary closure forms
• Assist with collection and distribution of estate assets and payment of estate liabilities
• Prepare correspondence with Executors
• Scan/e-file documents where required and assist with keeping e-files up-to-date
• Arranging payment of legacies and drafting correspondence to beneficiaries
• Assisting with registering estates as complex with HMRC and obtaining income tax information as and when required
• Drafting PA1P forms/probate applications
• Prepare a short form IHT return for checking 
• Completing bank closure forms
• Applying for IHT reference numbers 
• Reviewing bank statements, client account ledgers and letters from organisations for details of income so we can feed information to accountants for preparation of income tax returns 
• Drafting (freehand) emails and letters to clients, accountants and other organisations
• Reviewing files for progress updates i.e. which organisations we are still waiting to hear from with DOD values etc. 
• Regularly calling HMRC/Probate registries for status updates (without being asked) and updating fee earner/draft updates to clients.  
• Any other ad hoc duties as required

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

Key skills and experience

• Ability to acquire new skills and to understand sophisticated concepts
• Familiarity with technology e.g. Excel, Word
• Previous Paralegal experience is desirable 
• Strong research skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and under pressure 
• Financial aptitude (for billing)
• Strong academics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

The Essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• Hybrid working
• Flexible benefit package

For further information, please contact 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.    

#LI-KF1