Job Description
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.