Probate Assistant

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Probate Assistant to join our growing Trust and Probate team, in our wider Tax, Trust and Succession group in Cheltenham. This is a great support role, and the successful candidate will work closely with the Probate solicitors in a busy Probate Service, dealing with high net worth individuals from the UK and abroad. We deal with a wide range of estate administration work and work closely with the wider Tax, Trusts and Succession team, across all offices.

The role will suit someone who has excellent people skills and who is looking to develop their career within a friendly collegiate team that is widely recognised for its expertise in this area. All necessary training will be provided.

Role and Responsibilities (this is a broad but not exhaustive list)

The role involves assisting with obtaining Grants of Representation, post grant administration, and distribution of the estates of clients, and includes: 

• Obtaining specific details and valuations of the deceased’s assets and liaising with financial institutions and valuers in this regard
• Accurately drafting a schedule of assets and liabilities and keeping this up-to-date
• Liaising with foreign intermediaries regarding overseas assets
• Drafting inheritance tax returns and supplementary schedules and liaising with HMRC in this regard
• Drafting applications for probate and letters of administration and dealing with queries raised by the Probate Registry prior to issuing of the grant
• Upon receipt of the grant, preparing the relevant financial paperwork to enable the collection or transfer of the deceased’s assets
• Liaising with the private property team regarding sale or transfer of the deceased’s property (where relevant)
• Preparing and updating full estate accounts
• Obtaining UK Grants of Representation for foreign residents in relation to UK assets
• Arranging payments and distributions to beneficiaries and third parties in accordance with Firm procedures
• Liaising with utility providers and the council in relation to supply of services to the deceased’s property 
• Liaising with estate agents, clearance companies and contractors (where relevant) in relation to the deceased’s property
• Collating income and capital gains tax information for accountants/HMRC as applicable
• Drafting simple income tax returns and liaising with HMRC in relation to tax for the administration period.
• Preparing statements of income (form R185) for beneficiaries.
• Any other day-to-day estate administration matters
• Generally supporting the team members
• Keeping managers and Partners regularly updated with progress on assignments and assisting with billing
• You will be expected to be flexible in your approach and willing to undertake a wide range of other fiduciary, financial and tax-related assignments on your allocation. 
• You will also be expected to be able to research more complex issues/aspects and new legislation to support other members of the Tax Trusts and Succession division.
• Complying with all relevant and regulatory obligations including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, and Principles.

Skills and Experience

• Some knowledge and experience of probate and/or private client work is highly desirable
• This role would suit someone working toward CILEX qualification or looking to gain experience prior to working toward the SQE in the future 

Person Specification

• Be enthusiastic, willing to learn and keen to pursue a career in probate work
• Demonstrate excellent time management skills
• Be organised and capable of running a significant number of files and work matters simultaneously
• Have the ability to develop effective working relations at all levels
• Have a high degree of attention to detail
• Be confident in both verbal and written communication with a diverse range of clients
• Have a flexible approach and willing to go the extra mile
• Intermediate knowledge of Excel
• Be a quick learner
• Strong numerical skills and written communication skills
• Have an excellent telephone manner
• Team oriented individual who can also work independently
• Effective, sound decision making and practical problem-solving skills

Competencies

For a detailed specification please download the job description in the documents section of this page.

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Agencies

When we require external assistance with our vacancies, we will reach out to our PSL supply chain.  Please be aware we operate a very strict PSL policy with close relationships with our suppliers and cannot respond to agencies outside of the PSL.  We also do not accept speculative CVs as an introduction.  Please do not contact individual hiring managers or the Talent Acquisition team.