Job Description Private Client Senior Associate | 6 Years PQE | Leadership Opportunity & STEP Qualified Salary: £65,000–£85,000 Location: London Are you an ambitious Private Client Solicitor ready to step into a leadership role and shape the future of a thriving department? Our client, a well-established London law firm with over 25 years of excellence, is seeking a Senior Associate to join their expanding Private Client team and take ownership of complex, high-value matters. This is more than just another private client role – it's an opportunity to work with entrepreneurial families, high-net-worth individuals, and business owners whilst building towards departmental leadership in a firm that values vision, autonomy, and genuine progression. About the Role As a Private Client Senior Associate, you'll lead on a sophisticated portfolio of estate planning, trust, and probate matters, providing strategic advice to discerning clients who value long-term relationships and exceptional service. You'll have the autonomy to manage complex cases whilst working collaboratively towards leading the department. Your responsibilities will include: Managing a diverse caseload of complex wills and estate planning for high-net-worth clients Advising on trust creation, administration, and tax-efficient structures Handling probate and estate administration, including taxable and contentious estates Drafting and advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters Providing asset protection and succession planning for business owners and entrepreneurial families Building and maintaining strong relationships with professional intermediaries (accountants, IFAs, wealth managers) Supervising and mentoring junior team members Contributing to business development initiatives and thought leadership Working towards leading and developing the Private Client department What We're Looking For Essential Requirements: Minimum 6 years' PQE in Private Client work (UK qualified solicitor) STEP qualification (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Strong technical expertise in Wills, Probate, Trusts, LPAs, and estate planning Proven experience advising high-net-worth individuals and business owners on complex matters Excellent drafting ability with meticulous attention to detail Outstanding client care skills and ability to build rapport with discerning clients Commercial mindset with proactive problem-solving approach Experience managing taxable estates and inheritance tax planning Supervisory or mentoring experience desirable Personal Attributes: Strategic thinker with leadership potential Ambitious and collaborative team player Confident communicator with professional intermediaries Entrepreneurial approach to business development Commitment to delivering exceptional client service What's On Offer Salary: £65,000–£85,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications) Benefits Package: Clear pathway to departmental leadership – genuine opportunity to lead and shape the team Autonomy and responsibility – manage your own sophisticated caseload with full support High-calibre client base – work with HNWIs, business owners, and entrepreneurial families Flexible hybrid working arrangements – modern, trust-based working culture Professional development support – funding for CPD, conferences, and advanced qualifications Collaborative environment – your ideas are heard and your contributions recognised Competitive bonus scheme linked to performance and business development Central London location with excellent transport links Generous holiday allowance and pension scheme Modern technology and systems to support efficient working About Our Client Our client is a modern, progressive London law firm with over 25 years of experience delivering practical, strategic legal advice. Specialising in Corporate and Commercial Property Law, Litigation, Residential Conveyancing, Private Client, and Family matters, they combine big-firm capability with a boutique firm ethos. Known for their personable approach and strong professional partnerships, they have built an enviable reputation for quality advice and exceptional client service. Their Private Client department is experiencing significant growth, driven by referrals from satisfied clients and professional connections, and they're looking for a senior lawyer to help lead the next phase of development. Why This Opportunity Stands Out Leadership pathway – genuine opportunity to lead the department and shape its future Sophisticated work – complex estate planning, trusts, and tax matters for HNW clients Autonomy and trust – manage your caseload with freedom and support Growing department – join a team with real momentum and ambitious plans Recognition and reward – your efforts and ideas are valued and recognised Work-life balance – flexible working arrangements that respect your lifestyle The Ideal Candidate You're a technically excellent Private Client lawyer who's ready for the next step in your career. You enjoy building lasting relationships with clients and professional contacts, and you're excited by the prospect of shaping a department's future. You combine commercial awareness with meticulous technical skills, and you're looking for a firm that will invest in your development and recognise your contributions. If you're ambitious, collaborative, and ready to take on a leadership role in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Ready to Take the Next Step? If you're an experienced Private Client Solicitor with STEP qualification and leadership ambitions, we'd love to hear from you. To apply or discuss this opportunity in confidence, please contact: Mara Watson Legal Recruitment Consultant Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Email: m.watson@h-fts.com Please submit your CV along with a brief cover letter outlining your relevant Private Client experience and career aspirations. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as a recruitment agency on behalf of our client for this vacancy.