Senior Associate – Private Client
Location: Bristol
Partner Track (12–24 Months)
We are instructed by a highly regarded, multi-office UK law firm with a strong national and international presence. The firm is recognised for delivering exceptional service to high-net-worth individuals, families and business owners, and continues to invest strategically in the growth of its Private Client practice.
This is a succession planning opportunity for an experienced Private Client Solicitor (10+ years' PQE) to join at Senior Associate level with a clear, structured and realistic pathway to Partnership within 12–24 months. The successful individual will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the Bristol Private Client offering, working alongside an established and well-respected leadership team.
The Opportunity:
Join a high-performing and well-established Private Client team
Advise HNW and UHNW individuals, families and business owners
Exposure to complex cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters
Strategic hire aligned to long-term succession planning
Significant autonomy and client ownership
Strong emphasis on business development, leadership and profile-building
Flexible working arrangements supported
This role offers both high-quality technical work and a platform for progression.
Key Responsibilities:
Act as a senior member of the Private Client team, working closely with existing Partners
Manage a complex, high-value caseload with minimal supervision
Advise on:
Inheritance Tax planning (including complex HNW/UHNW estates)
Wills and estate structuring
Trust creation, restructuring and administration
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Estate administration and probate matters
Later-life and succession planning
Lead business development initiatives and referral relationships
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, intermediaries and professional referrers
Contribute to departmental strategy and growth planning
Supervise and mentor junior lawyers
Deliver against agreed financial and performance targets
Maintain high standards of compliance, file management and client care
Skills & Experience Required:
Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent)
Minimum 10 years' PQE specialising in Private Client work
Strong technical expertise across the full spectrum of Private Client matters
Demonstrable experience advising HNW and UHNW clients
Proven contribution to business development and revenue generation
Commercially astute with leadership capability
Confident operating with autonomy and accountability
Strong client-handling and communication skills
Comfortable contributing strategically at senior level
Reward & Benefits:
The firm offers a highly competitive remuneration package reflecting the seniority and Partner-track nature of the role, including:
Competitive base salary
Performance-related bonus
Generous annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays
Additional leave over the festive period
Birthday leave
Private healthcare (family cover available)
Healthcare cashback scheme
Enhanced pension contributions
Life assurance (multiple of salary)
Option to purchase additional annual leave
Clear, structured and supported pathway to Partnership
Why This Role?
This opportunity will suit a commercially ambitious senior Private Client lawyer who is ready to step into a strategic leadership position with a defined route to Partnership. It offers the chance to combine high-quality work, client ownership and long-term progression within a supportive and forward-thinking firm.