Assistant Head of Conveyancing

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Head of Department/Senior Residential Conveyancer Solicitor, CILEX, CLC within the Property Department based at our busy Banbury Office.

The successful candidate will carry out all aspects of residential conveyancing, along with assisting the Head of Department with managing a large team across all six of our offices. You will also develop business opportunities within the Property Department, working closely with the Head of Department and other team members.

• Support the Head of Department with the day-to-day management of the department, which includes ensuring staff within the department are suitably trained and have clear development plans.
• Support less experienced team members with more complex matters and queries.
• Conduct performance and file reviews within the department.
• Pro-active marketing and business development of the department, with the assistance of the Business Development Director to include attendance at networking and exhibition events when appropriate.
• Manage own caseload progression including compliance and billing.
• Undertake own complex work in accordance with the requirements of the Office Manual.
• Work with the Head of Department towards the achievement of agreed targets and review of key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Liaise with the Risk & Compliance Manager to manage complaints that arise within the department as required.
• Ensure departmental procedures are AML and Lexcel compliant.
• Attend management meetings, if required in the absence of the Head of Department, as the representative of the department and Head of Department meetings.
• Lead the department in the absence of the Head of Department.
• Organise and attend all appropriate internal and external training seminars.
• Undertaking any reasonable instructions given by Directors within the limits of this employment description.

• Responsible for managing own busy caseload
• Communicate with and advise clients, record information taken, advice given, decisions reached, and problems and potential solutions identified.
• Draft any documentation in accordance with efficient file management including correspondence and full attendance where required.
• Prepare bills as required to ensure KPIs are achieved.
• Regularly report to client with updates and agree courses of action.
• Maintain files and ensure efficient case management of matters.
• Continually review cases in the light of any new information.
• Maintain diary and case management systems.
• Keep up to date with developments in the law relevant to your matters.
• A minimum of 5 years’ PQE as a Solicitor/Chartered Legal Executive/CLC with experience of managing a varied residential conveyancing caseload including sales, purchases, TOE, shared ownership and leasehold
• Up-to-date specialist knowledge of the law and legal system, and relevant experience of handling a wide range of cases
• Budgeting skills and commercial awareness
• Well-developed people management skills and experience of supervising or mentoring a team/junior team members
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Excellent organisational skills
• Full clean driving license and use of a car
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Experience of case management systems
• Knowledge and understanding of current AML regulations, SRA Accounts Rules and Code of Conduct
• A sound knowledge of conveyancing procedures, CQS Protocol and Anti-Money Laundering legislation
• Awareness of cybersecurity and data protection issues and legislation
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal); skilled in dealing sensitively with clients