We are looking for an experienced Residential Conveyancer to join our team, based in Swindon. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of residential conveyancing matters, working both autonomously and within the team to provide timely, accurate and commercially sensible legal services from instruction through to post-completion.
Key responsibilities:
Manage a caseload of residential property transactions including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity, lease extensions and related matters; take ownership of files from instruction to completion in line with firm procedures and supervision levels.
Draft, review and prepare conveyancing documents and correspondence such as contracts, transfer deeds, assignments, declarations, completion statements, client letters and bespoke documentation; ensure accuracy and consistency with firm precedents.
Conduct and co-ordinate pre-completion searches and enquiries, obtain and review Land Registry documentation and title information, and liaise with lenders, estate agents, surveyors, managing agents and local authorities to resolve title, leasehold or planning issues efficiently.
Advise clients on routine residential conveyancing issues including leasehold complications, service charges, restrictive covenants, rights of way and basic planning considerations; escalate complex legal issues to partners or senior solicitors as appropriate.
Manage client funds and completion monies in accordance with firm accounts procedures, prepare completion packs and statements, handle mortgage instructions and pre-completion requirements, and ensure accurate completion accounting.
Oversee post-completion tasks including preparing and submitting Land Registry applications, completing HMRC SDLT returns, arranging indemnity policies where necessary and ensuring registrations and discharges are completed promptly.
Key skills and experience:
Qualified conveyancer (e.g. Licensed Conveyancer or equivalent) with demonstrable experience managing a varied caseload of residential conveyancing matters within a law firm or conveyancing practice.
Strong drafting and proofreading skills with excellent attention to detail when preparing contracts, completion statements and client correspondence.
Practical knowledge of Land Registry processes, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) procedures and common residential title issues including leasehold matters and commonhold basics.
Confident user of case management and document management systems.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to liaise professionally with clients, lenders, estate agents and third-party advisers and to provide clear, commercially sensible advice.
Well organised with strong time management and prioritisation skills, able to manage competing demands, meet deadlines and work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Awareness of confidentiality, data protection and anti-money laundering requirements relevant to legal practice and the ability to follow firm compliance procedures; willing to undertake required checks and training.
