Job Description

About Awdry Law:

Established in 1750, we are an award-winning firm having been presented in the past with the Law Society's Excellence Award for Innovation and two awards for excellent customer service. From our offices in Devizes, Chippenham, Marlborough, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon, we serve clients in Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Bath, London, and throughout the UK. We provide a comprehensive range of first-class legal services for individuals, families, and businesses.

Our purpose is to provide excellent client service and exceed expectations by being dynamic, inspiring, and proactive; client service is at the heart of everything we do. We have a fantastic group of people who work hard, are dedicated and demonstrate great commitment so In return for aiming towards these standards we will back you, help you to improve and support you in being the best we can.

Why You'll Love Working with Us:

Join us and be part of a culture that values creativity, hard work, individuality, ambition, and fun! We offer competitive pay, fantastic employee benefits, and the opportunity to grow in a thriving, forward thinking environment. And yes, our legendary social outings are not to be missed! This is more than a job; it's a chance for you to develop new skills and be part of our success.

We have a fantastic group of people who work hard, are dedicated, and demonstrate great commitment so in return for aiming towards these standards, we will back you, help you to improve and support you in being the best we can. Our values are the platform upon which everything is built:

Everything starts with you

People matter, whether you are a client or part of our team

Always driving forwards

We always show ambition and energy to achieve results

Be Brilliant

We create positivity, excellence, and innovation in all we do

Every person, every time

We are consistent and reliable and give our best, every time.

We also want people to enjoy working here and we aim to do this by creating a positive, supportive, and forward-looking environment. Our values are the platform upon which everything is built - excellent client service and making this a great place to work.

Job Purpose:

To support the lawyers in the contentious probate team by:

Handling new enquiries and client onboarding process

Assisting in various legal and administrative tasks on the lawyers' files

To develop knowledge and skills in contentious probate law to progress into a fee earning role handling own client files

Typical Activities:

Responsibility for

: -

New enquiries - Triage new enquiries by making initial contact by telephone/videoconference to take instructions regarding nature of enquiry

Provide initial advice to clients including merits screening, limitation checks, funding options, and potential conflicts.

Draft initial fee estimates, file opening letters and terms of business and deal with ID/AML process.

Maintain spreadsheets for enquiries and active matters

Provide live chat support for new clients

Support with: -

Various legal and administrative activities on active matters including:

o Legal research

o Collating bundles

o Basic drafting

o Using spreadsheets for data analysis and reporting

o Coordinate with counsel's clerks; prepare briefs, instructions and hearing notes

o Attendance at court with counsel and notetaking

o Using AI to streamline processes and undertake matter related tasks

Acting as point of contact in lawyer absence; take instructions, provide basic updates and advice and escalate appropriately

Networking and marketing activities of the department/ firm include:

o Drafting material for website articles, blogs and social media posts

o Attending networking events

ESSENTIAL AND DESIRABLE SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Skills

Essential:

Excellent telephone communication skills - the largest element of this role will be dealing with new enquiries, predominantly by telephone

To have a strong work ethic

To be astute and insightful, with the ability to grasp, analyse and solve problems effectively, make sound judgements and accurate assessments.

To have the capacity to learn, understand and apply knowledge

To be able to use AI effectively to undertake legal and administrative tasks efficiently

To be efficient, organised and agile in the way you work, adapting to changing circumstances and developments and able to meet deadlines.

To be able to work under pressure whilst keeping a clear head and working in an effective way.

To put clients at the centre of what you do, providing sensitive and supportive care at all times, minimising conflict as far as possible.

To be comfortable dealing with difficult and emotional situations.

Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal

To be able to display empathy, resilience and diplomacy

Have excellent negotiation skills

The ability to build and maintain strong relationships

To have active listening skills

Experience

Desirable:

To have experience of litigation work

To have experience of contentious probate work

An understanding of court procedures and process

In depth knowledge and experience of Microsoft 365 applications including Copilot and Excel

Experience of legal case/ matter management applications

Additional Notes:

You will be expected to attend all update training as required.

This Job description is not intended to cover all aspects of the role. You may be required to complete other tasks that are in keeping with the general nature of the position.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Work Location: In person