Paralegal – Post Completions

Howard Kennedy

  • London Bridge, South East London
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 30 days ago
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Post Completions team as a Paralegal in our award-winning Band 1 Real Estate department. The team plays a vital role in ensuring compliance and risk mitigation during the critical tax and registration phase of property transactions. This role is key to the success of our service delivery and client satisfaction.Our Real Estate department is one of the largest in the UK, with over 100 lawyers advising on complex transactions for investors, developers, and commercial occupiers. As part of Post Completions, you will work at the intersection of property law, tax, and registration, supporting the smooth conclusion of transactions with precision and professionalism.You will be joining a specialised team at the forefront of risk reduction and tax compliance in real estate. Post Completions is a growing, respected team with a clear identity and strategic importance within the wider department. We support continuous development, including in-house training on SDLT/LTT and RETR cycle management, and we offer a supportive, collaborative culture where your contribution truly matters.Role responsibility
  • Manage your own caseload of Real Estate Tax and Registrations matters, including reviewing deeds and documents, preparing and submitting Land Registry applications, and seeing them through to completion.
  • Calculate, draft, and submit SDLT and LTT returns for both residential and commercial property transactions, including processing payments to HMRC or WRA and liaising with clients and fee earners to confirm details.
  • Submit and track registration of legal charges and debentures at Companies House.
  • Maintain professional communication with internal stakeholders, clients, and external bodies, including HM Land Registry, Companies House, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA), financial institutions, and local government authorities.
  • Respond to and resolve requisitions from HM Land Registry, escalating complex matters where appropriate.
  • Complete and submit property searches and bankruptcy searches where required.
  • Draft and serve notices such as notices of charge and assignment for our Residential Transactions.
  • Maintain accurate records of submission dates, requisition responses, and completion milestones using firm systems (i.e., iManage, TM Group, Search Acumen).
  • Perform research into registration formalities, SDLT/LTT, and compliance procedures to support best practices across the Real Estate Department and advise on best course of action.
  • Collaborate with fee earners and clients to ensure timely Real Estate Tax and Registrations delivery and a seamless client experience.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and compliance with internal policies, including mandatory filing in iManage Risk folders.
About you
  • Previous experience within a similar role with exposure to post completions - Real Estate Tax and Registration (RETR) - processes.
  • A working understanding in SDLT/LTT processes and RETR risk management. Ability to understand SDLT instructions, apply basic rules, and accurately reflect them on drafted returns and submissions
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to engage confidently with both internal and external parties.
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise in a deadline driven environment.
  • A proactive and flexible approach to delivering excellent client service.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate, well-presented documents.
  • An enthusiastic team player who is adaptable and solutions focused.
  • Confidence using digital tools, online platforms such as HM Land Registry, Companies House, HMRC, WRA, PLC, Lexis and document management systems (i.e., TM Group, iManage, Search Acumen).
Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • 25 days annual holiday
  • Permanent Health Insurance
  • Life Assurance
  • Interest free Season Ticket Loan
  • Private Healthcare
  • Pension Scheme
  • Staff Introductory Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
About usWith almost 200 lawyers in one location, we ensure our clients have the right team to help them get from where they are to where they want to be. We advise major corporates and institutions as well as entrepreneurial, ambitious enterprises which are often privately or family owned, or private equity backed. As well as our significant business law capability, we are one of only a few London-based law firms with a large private wealth offering. Our clients find our straightforward approach a compelling alternative to larger, less personal firms.Whether you are an ambitious and talented individual wanting to hit the ground running from day one, or an established professional looking for a new opportunity, Howard Kennedy is the firm where you can really make it happen.We have earned a strong reputation for our exceptional and uniquely talented people who between them deliver outstanding results for clients. In a firm of our size, our strong team dynamic creates a thriving culture of creativity and entrepreneurialism. Howard Kennedy is a pragmatic and non-hierarchical environment where success is shared, and you are proactively encouraged to thrive at your own pace.Our distinctive culture is built on fairness and respect. Guided by the firm's values of talk straight, think smart and be yourself, everyone in the firm holds equal value, and everyone plays their role in supporting, encouraging and inspiring colleagues to do their best work.At the same time, we recognise and reward individualism, celebrating the diversity of our people and supporting them to grow their practice and drive their own career advancement.As well as client work, there is opportunity to broaden your horizons at the firm with fulfilling pro bono and charity projects. We have a regular social calendar full of wellbeing activities, charitable and social events too.

Howard Kennedy