Legal Assistant – Wills and Estates – Colchester

About the role

At Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP), our mission is to Transform, Succeed, and Prosper—not only for our clients but also for our people and the wider community. We operate with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to fostering growth and opportunity for everyone within the firm. Collaboration, professionalism, and agility define our working environment, and we strive to empower our teams to deliver excellent results while supporting their personal and professional development.

Role overview Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) is seeking an experienced and client-focused Legal Assistant to join our Wills and Estates team in Colchester on a full-time, permanent basis.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about delivering an exceptional client experience, enjoys building trusted relationships, and takes pride in supporting clients through often sensitive and important life matters.

The Role

In this key role, you will work closely with a Senior Solicitor/Director, supporting a busy caseload of private client matters.

You will play an integral part in ensuring that clients receive a seamless, professional, and compassionate service at every stage of their matter. This role goes beyond administrative support—it places you at the heart of the client journey.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised, and genuinely committed to exceeding client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Client care & relationship management

Act as a primary point of contact for clients, providing a warm, professional, and responsive service

Build strong, trusted relationships with clients, demonstrating empathy and understanding, particularly in sensitive matters

Manage client expectations and ensure a smooth and positive experience throughout their matter by keeping clients informed with timely updates and ensuring clear communication throughout

Anticipate client needs and proactively support the fee earner in resolving queries or issues

Handle enquiries with empathy, discretion, and professionalism

Proactively identify potential issues and work with the fee earner to resolve them before they impact the client

2. Matter support & coordination

Support the day-to-day management and progression of private client matters

Prepare, format, and proofread legal documents and correspondence

Assist with file opening procedures and ensure all required information is gathered

Manage diaries, appointments, and key deadlines to ensure matters progress smoothly

3. Private Client casework support

Assist with the preparation of Wills, trusts, Powers of Attorney, and estate documentation

Support Probate applications and Estate administration

Liaise with clients and third parties to gather information and progress matters efficiently

Ensure all client work is handled with accuracy and care

4. Document & file management

Maintain accurate, well-organised client files in line with firm procedures

Ensure documentation is accessible, up-to-date, and compliant

Use case management systems effectively to track progress and maintain visibility of matters

5. Billing & financial administration

Assist with the preparation of bills and general file financial management

Assist with financial aspects of files, including processing payments and disbursements

Ensure transparency and accuracy in client billing

6. Compliance & risk management

Ensure all client files are compliant with regulatory and firm requirements

Maintain strict confidentiality and data protection standards

7. Liaison & team collaboration

Work closely with colleagues across departments to provide a seamless client experience

Liaise with external professionals such as banks, financial advisors, and HMRC

Contribute positively to a collaborative and supportive team culture

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who combines strong legal support skills with a genuine passion for client care.

You will have

Experience in a legal support role, ideally within Wills and Estates / Private Client

A strong commitment to delivering outstanding client service

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with clients confidently and empathetically

High attention to detail and strong organisational skills

The ability to manage a busy workload and prioritise effectively

A proactive, solutions-focused approach

A professional, positive, and approachable manner

The package

We offer a competitive salary, depending on level of experience and ability.

Other benefits include

22 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, with an additional 3 days for the Christmas to New Year closure (pro-rated for part time staff).

Death in service and Group income protection.

Workplace pension scheme with Scottish Widows after 3 months’ service, including enhanced and salary sacrifice options.

Health cash plan and employee assistance programme.

Firm sick pay policy.

Opportunity for additional holiday with long service.