Role: Associate Solicitor, Private Client
Place of work: Edinburgh or Glasgow
Contract type: Permanent, 35 hours
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Jones Whyte are looking for an experienced Associate Solicitor to join our Private Client department, specifically within our Estate Planning team. We are seeking someone who can demonstrate strong leadership qualities and bring a wealth of experience. Successful candidates will enjoy a high level of client and team interaction - personally managing a varied and often complex caseload of work, while working closely with the responsible Partner in supervising the Solicitors, Paralegals and other team members including Trainee Solicitors.
Why Join Us?
Jones Whyte is proud to have been recognised as the Scottish Top Employer of the Year at The Herald and s1jobs Top Employer Awards 2025. This award reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where people thrive — one that values career development, wellbeing, inclusivity, innovation, and community impact. As a firm, we’re dedicated to fostering an environment where every team member feels supported, empowered, and part of something meaningful.
As we expand, we’re looking for a talented individual to play a pivotal role in our Private Client department’s success. This is your chance to shine, contribute your expertise, and grow alongside a company that’s invested in your development.
The Role
Ross Anderson and Stephanie Hutton lead the Private Client department which is comprised of Associates, Senior Solicitors, Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors and accredited Paralegals. Additionally, the department receives valuable assistance from highly skilled Legal Assistants providing administrative support. With Ross & Stephanie being dual qualified in both Scots law and English law, the work that the department undertakes is varied and services clients throughout Great Britain. Specialisms are encouraged, and we seek to cross-refer work from our complimentary departments to increase client loyalty.
As an Associate Solicitor within our Private Client department, you will be working with a partner-led team of professionals who have a range of skills and expertise. We strive for high client satisfaction, which is a key focus for the entire firm.
Candidates should be a strong leader and also a team player with excellent communication and technical skills. Experience within Private Client is essential. We maintain a close working relationship with both our clients and a network of experts in relevant fields. The role presents an opportunity for the right person to develop personally and professionally within the firm through promotion and capability development.
This role is open to candidates who are looking to work from either Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Key Responsibilities:
* Handling a large caseload with minimal supervision.
* Managing set up of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, and Executries/Probate while advising clients in the best way in relation to their personal circumstances.
* Supervising a team of both fee-earners and administrators (including the delegation of day-to-day tasks), with close supervision of the Trainee Solicitors within the team.
* Reporting to the responsible Partner, while collaborating together in the growth and development of the team.
* Cross-selling other legal and non-legal services.
* Reviewing existing policies, practices and precedents.
* Offering technical advice, guidance and support to all staff within the department.
* Actively participate in business development opportunities and support our Partners to continuously drive forward business opportunities.
Requirements:
* 4 years + PQE.
* Comprehensive technical knowledge of Wills, POAs, Trusts, Deeds of Variation, Inheritance Tax and Executries.
* Diligent, hard-working, and committed to providing clients with the best outcome.
* Adaptability to both independent work and collaborative teamwork.
* Strong organisational abilities with efficient caseload management.
* Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate appropriately with both clients and peers at varying levels of seniority.
* Natural compassion and empathy - exemplifying kindness and care, particularly in all client interaction.
* Excellent networking capabilities.
* A “can do” attitude.
* Sound Commercial and Financial skills, taking responsibility for regular billing and work in progress.
Desirable but Not Essential:
* STEP Qualification.
* Dual Qualification in both Scottish and English Law.
Company Benefits & Perks
* Competitive Salary
* Company Pension Scheme
* Company Bonus Scheme
* Excellent Company Maternity and Paternity Benefits
* 23 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays. Including closing over Christmas & New Year.
* Holiday Loyalty Scheme: Earn an additional 5 days holiday.
* Buy and Sell up to 3 holiday days each year
* Hybrid Working (on completion of office-based training)
* Company Staff Referral Scheme
* Wellbeing Support
* Annual Company Day Out and Quarterly team nights/days out
* Early finish on your birthday