Legal Secretary (Commercial Real Estate)

Legal Secretary (Commercial Real Estate)

Location: St Albans

Hours: Full‑time, office‑based (Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:30)

Salary: Dependent on experience

A well‑established commercial law firm is looking for a Legal Secretary to join its Commercial Real Estate team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys a busy, varied workload and wants to be part of a collaborative, professional environment. Full training and development support will be provided where needed.

Key responsibilities

• Copy and audio typing of legal documents using Word, iManage, Outlook, PDF Docs, Acrobat, Indigo, DocuSign and Excel
• Proof‑reading, formatting and amending documents
• Transcribing dictation via BigHand
• Handling telephone and email communication with clients and ensuring accurate message‑taking
• Organising printing, scanning and photocopying
• Managing AML checks (primarily via Legl)
• Preparing and submitting SDLT applications
• Land Registry work, including drafting AP1s, TR1s and other forms, esponding to requisitions & uploading documents
• Post‑completion tasks, including drafting notices of transfer/charge and deeds of covenant
• Using Land Registry services to request office copies, submit searches, carry out map searches and expedite applications
• Preparing lease and deed summaries
• Scheduling deeds and retrieving files from storage
• Liaising with lenders and local authorities to request documents or updates
• Drafting letters to clients, HMRC, HMLR and other solicitors
• Opening files, completing client ID checks and SmartSearches
• Compiling sales packs, indexing documents and managing shared folders
• Preparing basic replies to CPSEs and drafting simple reports on title
• Closing files, preparing closure forms, printing financial reports and requesting WIP/balance write‑offs
• Preparing invoices, BACS/TT payments, checking ledgers and verifying bank details
• Supporting credit control by sending overdue reminders
• Diary management, arranging meetings internally and externally (Teams/Zoom)
• Providing ad‑hoc support to other fee‑earners or departments when required

Key skills & attributes

• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills
• Ability to prioritise in a deadline‑driven, transactional environment
• Confident user of Outlook, Word, Excel, PDF Docs and DocuSign
• Strong teamwork skills and a flexible, adaptable approach
• Good understanding of legal practice and procedures
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including a professional telephone manner
• Strong grammar, spelling and written communication
• Proactive, enthusiastic and commercially aware

If you are interested in this role and meet the above requirements, please apply today or email your CV to shannonhewes@chadwicknott.co.uk

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*