This Admin Assistant's Day Might Surprise You

Behind the scenes of an Administrative Office Assistant at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors

Louise Sinden

As an administrative office assistant, I play a vital role in guiding and supporting clients during the initial stages of their conveyancing journey. Essentially, always trying to enforce the classic ‘Keep Calm and Carry on’ motto but in the world of Conveyancing.

My role is varied, covering a wide range of responsibilities, from greeting clients to ensuring there is milk for my colleague’s morning brew. In essence, I am jack of all trades. Primarily, my job entails opening new conveyancing cases, ensuring the necessary identification is provided for our Anti-Money Laundering regulations, and all initial paperwork is completed. These initial stages are pivotal to ensure our clients have a smooth and supportive journey with us.

There are multiple roles I fulfil being an administrative assistant, such as client support, compliance and office maintenance. Adhering to client’s questions and concerns is vital in my role, I aid our clients via telephone or in person; ensuring they feel valued and supported within their time with us. Whether this be connecting clients to the correct team or witnessing their TR1 document…this girl can do it all.

Whilst I’m not as intimidating as boarder force, another key role of mine is checking a number of passports for our Anti-Money Laundering regulations. No passport- not to worry—I’m well-equipped with an extensive list of alternative forms of ID accepted here at Martin Tolhurst. During the conveyancing journey it is crucial I assess and verify all identification to ensure our clients comply with our regulations. 

Ensuring our office is stocked and equipped is crucial for each day to run seamlessly, whilst our fee earners dedicate their exceptional minds to their work, I ensure all the essential equipment is provided. Stalking like a hawk, to ensure those staples are stocked and those chocolate digestives are bottomless.   

My role requires adaptability, as each day brings new and often unpredictable turns, this allows me to tackle all the weird and wonderful twists and turns of the working day. So, with a sprinkle of caffeine the working day will be conquered. The job’s nature has the beauty of keeping me on my toes, which I find the most engaging (and great for my ballet skills.) It’s a job which may appear simplistic on paper but has an imperative role in ensuring the conveyancing journey runs effortlessly from the outset. Undertaking this role has provided me with a plethora of new skills, giving me the privilege of looking forward to each working day.  

Administrative support plays a crucial role in the success of Martin Tolhurst, providing the foundation that allows our legal teams to deliver high-quality conveyancing services with efficiency and professionalism.