Head of Legal Services

Description:

Head of Legal Services |East Grinstead| Full Time | £65,000 to £80,000 P.A DOE

Head of Legal Services

A Head of Legal Services is required to support the management of a law firm, main office based in East Grinstead and to help establish and lead their Legal Services in line with their business strategy.

This senior role will suit someone with an ambitious, self-starter-type attitude. You will help build your own practice and team therefore previous experience in leading a team and managing a department is essential. You will be happy to become a director of Legal Services for the company to become an ABS. Their new Head of Legal Services will deliver and run a training programme for new solicitors. You will possess excellent business acumen and an understanding of business operations and objectives, permitting your provision of legal advice aligning with their business strategy.

Main tasks of job:

* Undertake private client work including Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Probate and Conveyancing, upholding exceptional standards of quality and client care.

* Draft, negotiate and sign off legal documents and agreements under applicable laws and regulations, ensuring accuracy, clarity and completeness. Conduct legal research to stay up-to-date with the latest legal changes.

* Balance the demands of your clients/caseload and non-casework responsibilities, ensuring you meet any deadlines set. Carry out and take responsibility for more complex or high-value work.

* Ensure company policies and legal guidelines are adhered to and communicated throughout the company and that they are followed at all times.

* Communicate and maintain trust relationships with your team, senior management team, directors, authorities and their clients.

* Delegate responsibilities and supervise the work of executives providing guidance and motivation to drive maximum performance. Responsible for managing budgets ensuring that all legal advice provided is cost effective.

* Achieve and maintain any relevant accreditations, Law Society panel membership and other appropriate memberships.

* Contribute to marketing/business development including identifying and facilitating internal cross-selling opportunities and carrying out business development activities e.g. networking

Probate:

* advise clients on the legal process of managing a deceased person’s estate

* able to represent clients in court proceedings related to probate

* manage the distribution of assets and payment of debts

* resolve disputes between beneficiaries or creditors

* maintain accurate records and documentation of the probate process.

Legal Services:

* Investigate and establish the route for them to become a regulated law firm (6-12 months’ timeline)

* Provide strategic advice to the company to ensure an accurate view and set up of JM Legal Services

* Help conduct business in the new area, meeting annual billing and performance targets

* Recruit and lead a team of advisors and legal support staff

* Ensure the competence of your team by identifying and addressing any learning needs

Conveyancing:

Advise clients on the legal matters surrounding the buying and selling of property.

Research details about the property and draft official documents such as contracts. Carry out checks before drafting contracts to avoid any structural issues with the property

Work with estate agents and other solicitors

Keep and maintain official records of payments and contracts

Work with the Land Registry documents and title deeds

Deal with the transfer of mortgage deeds.

People management and teamwork:

Offer technical support and management guidance to our current Team Leaders (JMW)

Conduct legal training for staff

Delegate, assist, and work collaboratively and considerately with other staff/teams

Attend and participate in any meetings of the department or the company when required

Compliance:

Act in accordance with the proper professional standards and regulations of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and all other relevant bodies.

Immediately advise the Directors of any investigation or disciplinary action by the SRA or any restrictions on your Practising Certificate.

Identify and report any risks which could be detrimental to the business.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the company and their overall business objectives.

Required skills:

A qualified solicitor with at least 5 years of experience in advising private clients in Wills & Probate.

The right to practice law in your jurisdiction.

Strong knowledge of legal terminology and principles. In depth legal expertise.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Natural leadership skills with ability to communicate effectively with both legal experts and novices.

Strong analytical skills – able to interpret legal needs and requirements accurately.

Great attention to detail – ensuring precision in legal language and provisions.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Ability to take initiative and solve problems.

A clean driving licence (experienced driver).

Desired/additional skills:

Practical experience in conveyancing (2+ years).

Level 4 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice and Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Transactions.

Completed CLC qualifications (licenced conveyancer).

Vacancy Information:

Location: Essex – Herts – London – Kent – Surrey – Sussex (average week: 2 days travelling / 3 days working from home)

Salary range: £65-80k per year (experience depending)

Job type: Permanent

Job Section: Private Practice/Legal

Working Hours: Full time