Job Description

Main information

Closing date

14/11/2025

Term type

Contract

Duration

14 months

Working hours

Monday - Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)

Reports to

Departmental Support Manager

Team

Rural Property

Location

London

The Firm

Farrer & Co is synonymous with the highest quality legal advice and service.


We advise individuals, families, businesses, financial services, educational and not-for-profit organisations on every aspect of the law, wherever the need arises. From our offices in London we work with trusted professionals around the world to deliver a seamless international service.


Our clients present us with complex and varied challenges. Whether that's a complicated family trust issue, a multinational corporate transaction, or an emerging threat to their reputation, they need clear thinkers who can advise on the best solutions, fast thinkers when speed is of the essence and agile thinkers who can produce a fresh approach to get the job done. That's why they choose us.


Our clients value our in-depth knowledge, technical excellence and diversity of disciplines. But what really binds our long-standing relationships with them is our approach: pragmatic, plain speaking and always steadfast in our values, which we hold dear. Values which mean we gain our clients' trust, always strive to do the right thing, and aim for the best results for them.


Superb client service sits at the heart of everything we do. We are modern lawyers with timeless values.

The Team

The Firm acts for the Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall in the administration of assets that arise when companies dissolve, or individual residents die intestate within the Duchies. These assets are known as 'bona vacantia' and require verification and certain investigations before we deal with them on behalf of the Duchies. The Bona Vacantia team at Farrers includes two Partners, two Counsel, one Senior Associate and one Associate and works closely with our Accounts department.

Scope

The main focus of the role will be to provide general support to the Bona Vacantia Team including the preparation of various documents and payment and collection of monies.

Responsibilities

General:

Save all incoming post to NetDocs and file the hard copy Send out post Certain photocopying and scanning Answer telephone enquiries including providing guidance as to whether referred intestate estate or dissolved company matters fall within the jurisdiction of either Duchy Monitor and redirect incoming email enquiries Assist on file opening and record keeping Pay in cheques and ensure monies are allocated to the correct files Keep Duchy database up to date Complete account forms Prepare credit slips for bank transfers in accordance with instructions Prepare and pay third-party bills Assist with payments out Assist with preparation of the Duchy of Lancaster financial report Provide support generally to other members of the bona vacantia team

Dissolved Company matters:

Assist with general telephone enquiries and provide advice where required as to the document and fee requirement in relation to company restoration matters Carry out Companies House checks Add any funds received in relation to dissolved companies to the Duchy Report Issue waiver letters for company restorations Assist in preparation of letters to former directors and shareholders of dissolved companies Assist in preparation of notices of disclaimer Review information submitted from banks in respect of dissolved company funds to be transferred, liaising with banks and third parties Assist with the sale of trademarks that belonged to a dissolved company to third parties

Intestate Estates:

Assist with general telephone and email enquiries regarding intestate estates Provide administrative support in dealing with new referrals Assist in the preparation of standard letters and emails in the administration of estates Support team members in the production and maintenance of documentation including financial spreadsheets, bank forms, advertising lists and chattels schedules Support the wider team with procedural aspects of administering bona vacantia estates

Skills and Experience

Efficient communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels An enthusiasm for team work and an ability to assume responsibility and deal efficiently with a varied and often demanding workload are key requirements Strong MS skills, in particular Excel Preferably some understanding of financial accounting Clear verbal and written communication skills Good telephone manner, experience dealing with clients in a calm and professional manner Ability to prioritise competing demands, multi-task and stay organised Can operate on own initiative and to strict deadlines Careful attention to detail Solid administration experience

Education and Qualifications

Qualified to GCSE standard, grade C (or equivalent) at Mathematics and English essential

Special aspects

The hours of work for this opportunity are 09:30am-5:30pm but it is essential to be committed, flexible and prepared to work beyond the normal office hours when necessary and in response to client demand. Farrer & Co operates an agile working framework under which members of the firm are expected to spend at least 40% of their working hours in the office. This is a minimum expectation: individuals may elect or be asked or expected to work more frequently in the office, depending on circumstance.


Farrer & Co is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We look to employ the best candidates regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.


We are keen to ensure candidates have the best interview experience possible; if you require any adjustments during the interview or application process please let the recruitment team know.

Comments

Farrer & Co conducts a pre-employment screening which includes a Criminal History Background and Credit Check for successful candidates.