Real Estate Paralegal

Department: Real Estate

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London

Reporting To: Malcolm Headley

Description

Why Bates Wells?

We’re an award winning, purpose driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out.

Our values are key to our success, and you’ll be able to make a real impact from day one.

Come and join the firm who have a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we’ll never prioritise profit over people and planet.

The role
This is an exciting opportunity for a Paralegal to join our busy and supportive Real Estate department. You will gain experience across all aspects of the property sector and work with an impressive array of clients.
As part of your role you will work with clients within the sports sector, providing grants and loans for the development of grass roots sports facilities. You will manage a busy case load and your work will include the following tasks: reviewing title and leases: raising enquiries; drafting restrictions legal charges, deeds of pari passu, and deeds of adherence; and dealing with registration at the Land Registry. You will liaise directly with clients and other solicitors and often be a first point of contact.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform legal and factual research – researching the most valid arguments, reviewing case facts, identifying the relevant laws and ensuring all other relevant information is considered in a case.
• Review and summarise legal documents including leases.
• Review and consider freehold and leasehold title registers.
• Draft legal documents.
• Prepare and file land registry application forms and SDLT applications.
• Organise, analyse, cross-check and validate information.
• Prepare written reports.
• Help prepare legal arguments, applications, declarations and motions.
• Prepare correspondence and proofread legal documents.
• Check legal forms and documents for accuracy.
• Maintain and organise case and reference files.
• Review and monitor new and updated regulations.
• Deal with post-completion matters such as the creation of completion bibles.
• Assist in researching and drafting articles and business development materials for current affairs in relation to the Real Estate sector.
• Liaise directly with clients and other solicitors.

Flexibility to work outside normal office hours may be required from time-to-time. Office attendance is required up to five days per week until probation is successfully completed.

Which qualities do we look for?

• Degree educated (or equivalent)
• Previous paralegal experience
• The ability to perform legal research.
• In depth knowledge of legal terminology and principles.
• The ability to analyse legal documents for accuracy.
• An understanding of the concept of freehold and leasehold title and how to read a title register.
• A spirit of co-operation, team player and a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to use initiative, work well under pressure including the ability to prioritise, multi-task, work to tight deadlines and independently manage a busy case load.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to relate and talk to people at all levels.
• High proficiency in all Microsoft office packages.
• A willingness and capability to serve client needs and handle client relations at the highest level.

About the Real Estate teamOur Real Estate practice provides expertise across all aspects of the property sector from typical transactions such as acquisitions, disposals and leases to development, funding, finance, litigation and dispute resolution. We act for an impressive array of clients, from the charity sector, where we are market leaders, to commercial organisations and our experienced team are always looking for new and cost-effective ways to provide the best solutions to meet the needs of our clients.

What are we like to work for?

Impact-Driven Purpose: We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.
Committed to the Climate: Through our Climate Programme, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.
Championing Inclusion: We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
Flexible and Hybrid Working: Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.
Progressive Benefits: We offer green pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.

 At Bates Wells, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose-driven law firm, we’re committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and representative of all.