We are seeking a client focussed and enthusiastic Wills and Probate Associate Solicitor to join us in East Lancashire.
The role involves regular travel between WHN offices, to local events and to clients’ homes. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual looking to join a forward thinking and successful firm.
The successful candidate will advise and guide clients expertly and compassionately on all matters regarding wills, probate and estate planning.
Drafting and Reviewing Legal Documents:
* Drafting Wills: Create wills that accurately reflect the client's wishes regarding the distribution of their estate, guardianship of minor children, and other personal directives.
* Drafting Complex Wills: Incorporating, discretionary and life interest trusts and dealing with businesses and farms.
* Powers of Attorney: Prepare lasting powers of attorney (LPA) for property and financial affairs, as well as health and welfare, ensuring clients' preferences are legally documented.
* Reviewing Documents: Examine existing wills, trusts, and other legal documents to ensure they are up-to date and comply with current laws and the client's intentions.
* Applying for Probate: Handle the process of applying for a grant of probate or letters of administration, which gives the legal authority to manage the deceased's estate.
* Asset Collection and Distribution: Identify, collect, and value the deceased's assets, pay any outstanding debts and taxes, and distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as per the will or intestacy rules.
* Tax Compliance: Ensure all necessary tax returns are filed, including inheritance tax, income tax, and capital gains tax, and that any tax liabilities are settled.
* Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed records of all transactions and communications related to the estate administration process.
* Implementing Trusts created in a Will: registering the trust following death and drafting any related documentation such as Deeds of Appointment
Client Consultation and Advice:
* Initial Consultations: Meet with clients to understand their needs and objectives, providing tailored advice on estate planning, will drafting, and trust creation.
* Ongoing Advice: Offer continuous support and guidance to clients, addressing any questions or concerns they may have throughout the process.
* Inheritance Tax Planning: Advise clients on strategies to minimize inheritance tax liabilities, such as making lifetime gifts, setting up trusts, and utilising available reliefs and exemptions including advising and preparing Deeds of Variation following a death.
* Sensitive Communication: Handle discussions with empathy and sensitivity, especially when dealing with bereaved clients or complex family dynamics.
* Development of others: Contribute to the development of colleagues who are less experienced including paralegals, trainees, apprentices and administrative colleagues.
* Effective time management: Manage your time effectively ensuring time recording is accurate to generate appropriate fees whilst maintaining high standards of client care.
* Work diligently complying with the professional standards as defined in the Office Manual and by the SRA, Lexcel, the CQS and the Legal Aid Agency. Ensure all information regarding the firm, its clients and their business is kept strictly confidential.
* Wherever possible, utilise available software to provide a quality, cost effective and efficient service to clients
* Take responsibility including proactively participating in activities to ensure your personal development is maintained including keeping up to date with the changes in the area of law in which you practice.
* Understand the firms marketing strategy, contribute to business development initiatives, including networking and attend and positively represent the firm at industry events when appropriate.
* Any other such duties that will assist in the growth and development of the department/firm to support the effective operation of the business.
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