Job Description
About us
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals and over 600 staff based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.
Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 6th best law firm to work at in 2026.
With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 42% of our partnership.
The team you will join
The Birketts Private Client Team is a highly regarded and collaborative department, offering wide-ranging expertise across estates and private property, tax planning, and family matters across all seven of our offices.
Our lawyers come from a range of backgrounds, including major City practices, other major national and regional firms, industry and local government and include individuals with construction, planning and commercial expertise. The depth and range of expertise means the team can work together in major and complex transactions and provide a sector-based offering for our clients.
The International Private Client team forms part of the wider private client advisory department and has team members based in our Bristol, London and Cambridge offices.
Our team specilaises in:
* Cross-border wills and estates
* Tax advisory work for international clients
* US / UK private client services team
* Country Experts team
* Shariah structuring and planning for private clients
* International trust work
* Notarial services
We work closely with the other international teams in the wider private client division, including international family, immigration and private wealth disputes.
The work you will be doing
The role is to join our London team with a particular focus on cross-border Wills, succession and estate planning and Spanish private client work. The ability to speak Spanish will be beneficial.
You will be responsible for:
* Drafting and negotiating on relevant Wills, trusts, deeds, documents, advice notes, letters and correspondence tailored to the client’s individual needs and requirements.
* Dealing with the administration of complex cross-border estates.
* Direct communication with clients, advisers and other relevant stakeholders.
* Supporting an active caseload with the aim of providing efficient and effective advice.
* Participating in marketing and networking initiatives.
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
What we are looking for
* Completion of a recognised training contract or equivalent qualifying experience (such as being a Registered Foreign Lawyer).
* Proficency in Spanish is advantageous.
* 2-4 years' experience gained working in a reputable legal firm
* Prior experience in International private client work in particular with civil law jurisdictions.
* Previous experience in Spanish private client work is advantageous.
* Demonstrable interest and foundational knowledge in chosen practice area
* Strong attention to detail to produce work documentation which is consistently of a high standard.
* Professional integrity and a commitment to providing excellent client service.
* To be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, case management, Outlook and digital dictation.
We have designed a 'Talent Management Framework' which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. As a Solicitor, we typically expect candidates to have between 0–3 years PQE. As an Associate, we would expect candidates ot have between 3-6 years PQE.
Any information provided in relation to PQE should be used for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Applicants will be considered on their individual merits.
Hybrid Working
During probation period, there will be a requirement to be in the office full time whilst you are developing in the role. Once you have successfully passed probation, this role attracts a split of 80% office days and 20% working from home days per week.
Benefits
As a Birketts colleague, you will be eligible to receive a wide range of benefits:
* 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
* Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
* Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
* Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
* Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
* Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
* Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
* Paid CSR Day
* Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
* Subsidised gym membership
* Electric car scheme
* Dress for your Day Policy
You can find out more on our website: https://recognition-reward-benefits/
Inclusivity and Culture
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth.
Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and pot