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 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: property, corporate services, litigation and private client advisory.
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. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 5th best law firm to work at in 2024.
We have the strength and depth of expertise to ensure we deliver the service you would expect in respect of technical quality, practical approach and client service. We act as trusted advisers to individuals, families, trustees, family or owner-run businesses and trust companies both in the UK and internationally.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and services to high-net-worth clients. This position will involve acting for high net worth clients, offering guidance on succession planning, trusts, wills, tax planning and estate management. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and growing client relationships, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services and contributing to the strategic direction and success of the firm.
This role is based in our Sevenoaks Office and has a particular focus on working with our current partners there to establish and expand our presence in the region.
Client Management and Development
Build and maintain strong relationships with high-net-worth clients.
Provide tailored legal advice on succession planning, tax advice, wills and estate administration.
Identify opportunities for expanding client relationships and cross-selling additional services.
~ Legal Expertise and Advice
Stay abreast of the latest developments in the relevant law.
Draft and review complex legal documents including wills, trusts and powers of attorney.
Advise clients on mitigating tax liabilities and structuring their estates effectively.
~ Team Leadership and Management
Help lead and mentor a team of junior lawyers fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Provide guidance and training to other team members ensuring continuous professional development.
Oversee the workload and performance of the team, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
~ Contribute to the development and execution of the firm's strategic plan, particularly within the Private Client Advisory Team.
Participate in networking events, conferences and other business development activities to promote the firm's services.
Develop and implement marketing initiatives to attract new clients and retain existing ones.
Lead efforts to establish and grow the firm's presence in the Kent region, leveraging local networks and industry contacts.
~ Compliance and Risk Management
Ensure all activities comply with relevant laws, regulations and professional standards.
Manage risks associated with client engagements, including identifying and mitigating potential conflicts of interest.
Maintain accurate and up to date client records and documentation in accordance with legal and firm policies.
Strong academic background.
~ Proven track record of advising high net worth clients in all areas of private client advisory law.
~ To have a flexible approach to work to ensure client deadlines are always met and clients are communicated with on a consistent and regular basis.
~ Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
Client-focused mindset, with a commitment to delivering excellent service.
Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Entrepreneurial spirit, with a passion for building and growing a business.
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. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
~30 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
~ Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
~ Subsidised gym membership
~ Electric car scheme
~ Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
~ Dress for your Day Policy
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
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 potential.