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