Careers at Gateway

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Legal Assistant to join our busy Solicitors Enquiries Department at our office in Leigh-on-Sea.

The successful applicant will be joining a growing team that is responsible for legal enquiries in respect of Service Charge and Ground Rent properties on behalf of Management Companies.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Producing sales information packs
• Dealing with pre-contract sales enquiries in respect of any relevant sales, re-mortgages or transfer of equity
• Post completion – dealing with and receipting Notice of Transfer/Charge
• Updating our company case management system with new lessee details/charge details
• Dealing with and creating Deed of Covenants, Certificate of Compliance and Share Certificates
• Ensuring the accounts are clear prior to the release of any sales information packs and on the completion of a sale
• Processing cheques and liaising with our accounts department
• Scanning and filing all documentation that passes through, e.g Notices, Land Reg docs etc.

The successful candidate can demonstrate an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, possess strong administrative skills, an ability to work to strict deadlines and handle a large and varied caseload. You will be used to working in a fast-paced and demanding environment. A high level of attention to detail will be required and previous litigation experience is preferred.

What is in it for you?

Joining Gateway means you’ll have a real opportunity to grow within your role and take your ambitions further. Growth is highly encouraged here, so show us your potential. You’ll find Gateway to be a supportive and welcoming place to develop and thrive.

You will:

• Gain valuable skills and knowledge to build a strong foundation in credit control and financial management
• Have a defined pathway for growth within the company, with opportunities for promotion based on your performance
• Enjoy a competitive salary with additional perks
• Be part of a collaborative team that values your growth and success
• Engage in diverse tasks, from debt recovery to account management, ensuring variety and challenge in your role
• Have opportunities to liaise with clients, mortgagees, and legal representatives, expanding your professional network and expertise

Your performance and fulfilment of the role’s requirements will be evaluated quarterly. Progression and further opportunities will be performance-dependent, ensuring your development aligns your achievements and growth in the role.

The Perks You’ll Love:

• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth, including training support
• Generous company pension plan
• Exciting company membership programmes
• Employee referral incentive
• Seasonal company-wide events, including Christmas party
• Casual social events throughout the year

You'll be part of a team of committed people who support one another each day and are proud of the trusted, knowledgeable services they provide.

The expertise of our Legal Team is central to providing robust counsel for our clients, establishing lasting relationships and delivering a consistently efficient service.

As we continue to grow, we are searching for an enthusiastic and motivated Solicitor to join us at our Head Office in Southend-on-Sea.

As a Solicitor for Gateway, you will collaborate with seasoned industry experts, leveraging your legal expertise to handle a diverse range of complex property-related matters, including residential conveyancing and property management, while contributing to the continued growth and success of the business.

Your role will provide you with valuable exposure to a wide range of legal responsibilities, including: 

• Managing your own caseload of residential freehold and leasehold sales, purchases and mortgages
• Drafting, negotiating, and implementing sale and purchase correspondence and documents
• Reporting on title, settling transactions and client reporting
• Instructing searches and reports
• Maintaining all matters using a sophisticated Case Management System
• Leading a small team of conveyancers as the department develops
• Filing and other administration

When required, you will also be responsible for a range of property management matters, including:

• Supporting all litigation matters, including County Court proceedings and First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) applications
• Assisting with lease extensions, enfranchisement, and RTM (Right to Manage) processes
• Handling complex enquiries raised by the Solicitors Enquiries Department on lease assignments, deeds of covenant, notice of transfer, and consents
• Providing advice, support, and guidance to Property Managers

Essentials for the Role
You will be required to work full time in our Southend Office, with hours of 9:00am to 5:30pm.

The successful candidate must be a qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (NQ  - 4 years) with prior experience in residential conveyancing and landlord and tenant/long leaseholder disputes, including but not limited to service charge and breach of covenant disputes. Primary responsibilities will include assisting the Group Solicitor with all legal matters across the Group. You should be accustomed to working in a fast-paced and demanding environment, with a strong focus on attention to detail.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Demonstrate excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Have strong organisational abilities to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Exhibit exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Showcase the ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently when required
• Possess a proactive approach to handling complex legal matters with confidence and accuracy
• Have proven business development skills and are able to generate their own work

What is in it for you?
Joining Gateway means you’ll have a real opportunity to grow within your role and take your ambitions further. Growth is highly encouraged here, so show us your potential. You’ll find Gateway to be a supportive and welcoming place to develop and thrive.

You will:

• Gain valuable legal skills and knowledge to build a strong foundation in property law, residential conveyancing, and landlord/tenant disputes
• Have a defined pathway for growth within the company, with opportunities for promotion based on your performance
• Enjoy a competitive salary with additional perks
• Be part of a collaborative team that values your growth and success
• Engage in diverse legal tasks, from drafting contracts and negotiating disputes to advising on complex property matters, ensuring no two days are the same
• Have opportunities to attend legal proceedings, liaise with clients, and expand your professional network within the legal and property sectors

The Perks You’ll Love:

• Competitive salary 
• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth, including training support
• Generous company pension plan
• Exciting company membership programmes
• Employee referral incentive
• Seasonal company-wide events, including Christmas party
• Casual social events throughout the year

You’ll be part of a team of committed people who support one another each day and are proud of the trusted, knowledgeable services they provide.