Job Description

Build your career with Buckles

We're looking for a motivated and client-focused Paralegal to join our Wills, Trusts, Estates and Disputes team, providing high-quality legal and administrative support to our solicitors. This is a varied role, offering the opportunity to gain experience across private client matters, including wills, trusts, estate administration and disputes.

If you enjoy working in a busy legal environment, take pride in your attention to detail and are looking to develop your legal knowledge as part of a supportive team, we'd like to hear from you.

About Buckles

Buckles is an award-winning UK law firm providing a comprehensive range of legal services to businesses and individuals, both in the UK and internationally.

With offices across Bristol, Cambridge, London, Nottingham, Peterborough and Stamford, alongside our international presence in Paris and Milan, we combine specialist legal expertise with a collaborative and people-focused culture.

Our people are at the heart of our success. We encourage independent thinking, welcome new ideas and give our colleagues the opportunity to make a real difference.

We are proud to hold the LawNet Mark of Excellence and Investors in People Gold accreditation.

About the role

Working under the close supervision and direction of experienced lawyers, you will provide a combination of legal and administrative support to the Wills, Trusts, Estates and Disputes team. You will assist with the preparation of legal documents; management of client matters and delivery of an excellent standard of client service.

This is a varied role requiring strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a proactive approach. You will also support the wider department with administrative responsibilities, helping to ensure the smooth running of the team and maintaining the firm's professional and regulatory standards.

You’ll be responsible for

• Drafting correspondence and legal documents for review by lawyers
• Supporting the day-to-day management of client matters and maintaining high levels of client service
• Managing client files and conducting audits to ensure compliance
• Preparing and processing invoices and credit notes accurately and efficiently
• Maintaining the document management system and managing diaries and emails
• Handling incoming calls, correspondence and client queries professionally
• Coordinating incoming and outgoing departmental post
• Building positive relationships with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders
• Supporting the achievement of individual fee targets and agreed KPIs
• Actively contributing to raising the profile and reputation of the firm within the marketplace
• Using IT systems and resources effectively to improve efficiency, quality and service levels
• Maintaining high professional standards and adhering to the firm's quality procedures and management systems
• Continuously developing technical and non-technical skills to meet client and business requirements
• Providing general administrative support to the team, including assisting with business development activities and meetings where required
• Offering flexible support across departments during periods of absence or annual leave

What we’re looking for

We're looking for someone who is organised, proactive and enjoys working in a busy legal environment, ideally with previous experience in client or contentious probate work.

You'll have:

• Relevant qualifications or previous experience within a legal environment would be advantageous.
• A basic understanding of wills, trusts, probate or contentious matters.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• An empathetic and understanding approach when dealing with clients, particularly in sensitive situations.
• Good working knowledge of case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• A professional and approachable manner, with the ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• A proactive, hands-on approach, with the ability to use initiative and work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to organise workloads, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• A practical and considered approach to problem-solving.
• The ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and high standards.
• A flexible approach, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Confidence when communicating with clients and other stakeholders, demonstrating professionalism, discretion and integrity.

Why Buckles?

At Buckles, we recognise that our success is driven by our people. We want you to have the support, opportunities and benefits you need to perform at your best and develop your career. As well as professional and personal development opportunities, our benefits include:

• 25 days’ annual leave (FTE), plus UK Bank Holidays and your birthday off (or the closest working day).
• Christmas Shut down
• A wide range of health and wellbeing benefits.
• Private healthcare options for you and your family.
• Healthcare cashback plans for you and your family.
• Enhanced pension with 5% matched contribution.
• The opportunity to buy up to 5 additional days’ annual leave per year (FTE).
• Cycle to Work and electric vehicle schemes.
• Life assurance of 4 x your annual salary.

Ready to join Buckles?

If you’re looking for an opportunity where you can develop your expertise, make a genuine contribution and become part of a supportive and collaborative team, we’d like to hear from you!