Residential Property Paralegal
2 days ago
Sunderland
Role Title Residential Property Paralegal (Conveyancing) — Including Post-Completion Department / Team Residential Property / Conveyancing Department Reporting Line Reports to: Supervising Solicitor Works closely with: Fee-earners, Accounts Team, Third-Party Search Providers Role Purpose To run a residential conveyancing matter caseload from instruction to completion / post completion under supervision and to provide support to fee-earners in such matters from instruction through to completion and post-completion, ensuring efficient progression of files, high client care standards, and compliance with regulatory obligations and lender requirements. Key Responsibilities (Core Duties) File Opening, Client Onboarding and Compliance • Open new matters in line with firm procedures., • Issue client care documents (terms of business, costs information, and key stages) and obtain client confirmations., • Undertake CDD/AML checks, including source of funds and (where required) source of wealth enquiries; escalate concerns promptly in accordance with internal procedures., • Complete conflict checks and ensure accurate matter set-up on the case management system. Transaction Support (Sale, Purchase and Remortgage) • Assist with progression of freehold and leasehold matters under supervision, including:, • Preparing and issuing draft contract packs on sales., • Ordering searches, monitoring return dates, and reviewing results for completeness (escalating adverse entries)., • Liaising with clients, estate agents, lenders, brokers and other firms to progress matters and manage expectations. Leasehold and Management Company Liaison • Request, chase and collate management information (LPE1 and supporting documents)., • Assist with leasehold requirements including deeds of covenant, licences to assign, certificates of compliance, and landlord/agent notices. Mortgage Lender Requirements (Under Supervision) • Assist with mortgage offer administration, redemption statements., • Support compliance with relevant lender requirements (including UK Finance Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook provisions applicable to the matter), escalating title defects, discrepancies, or non-standard conditions. Post-Completion SDLT • Draft and prepare SDLT returns and supporting information for review/approval where required by firm policy., • Submit SDLT returns within statutory time limits and arrange payment in accordance with client instructions and accounts procedures. Land Registration • Prepare and submit HM Land Registry applications (e.g., AP1/FR1 as appropriate), ensuring correct enclosures and certification of documents., • Monitor Land Registry portal updates and respond to requisitions promptly and accurately, escalating complex requisitions or title issues., • Ensure registration is completed, title information documents are checked against the application, and any discrepancies are escalated. \tNotices, Restrictions and Leasehold Post-Completion • Prepare and serve notices of transfer and charge on landlords/managing agents and obtain receipted notices where applicable., • Arrange for certificates of compliance, landlord consents, and compliance with restrictions on title (including submission of required evidence to the Land Registry)., • Manage post-completion requirements for leasehold and management company properties, including membership transfers and updates to share certificates where relevant. \tLender and File Closure • Provide lenders with completed registration details (e.g., title information document and registration evidence) where required., • Ensure deeds and documents are stored/returned in accordance with firm policy., • Close files in line with retention policies, ensuring final checks are complete (e.g., undertakings satisfied, ledger balanced, file audit complete). File Management and Client Care • Keep case management systems up to date with accurate, contemporaneous notes and clear audit trails., • Provide regular client updates and respond promptly to enquiries, escalating complaints or service issues in accordance with firm policy., • Contribute to continuous improvement of precedents, checklists and post-completion processes. Scope / Limits of Authority • Work under the supervision arrangements of the department and in accordance with firm policies., • No independent conduct of reserved legal activities unless appropriately authorised and supervised., • Escalate without delay: title defects, complex lease provisions, indemnity insurance proposals, lender condition issues, requisitions raising substantive title concerns, AML red flags, and potential negligence risks. Key Skills, Competencies and Behaviours • Strong understanding of end-to-end conveyancing including post-completion workflow., • High attention to detail, particularly for SDLT submissions, AP1/FR1 applications, and requisition responses., • Effective diary management and ability to handle multiple deadlines concurrently., • Clear, professional communication with clients, lenders, managing agents and the Land Registry. · Ability to work as part of a team and committed to a career in this area · Flexible and proactive approach and ability to work on own initiative Qualifications and Experience Essential • Experience in residential conveyancing, including demonstrable post-completion work (SDLT and Land Registry applications)., • Experience liaising with clients, referrers and third parties, • Familiarity with HM Land Registry Portal and requisition handling., • Competence using case management systems and standard conveyancing documentation. Desirable • Experience with leasehold registrations, restrictions, and certificates of compliance., • Exposure to higher-volume casework and tight statutory deadlines. Working Arrangements • Location: Office, • Hours: Full time, • Salary: depending on experience