Private Client Solicitor / Fee Earner or STEP‑Qualified Practitioner (3+ Years PQE)
Location: St Helens, Merseyside
Salary: Up to £50,000 starting salary
Contract: Full-time, 5 days per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid working available following successful completion of probation
Overview
An established and growing law firm is seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor/Fee Earner or STEP‑qualified practitioner (minimum 3 years' PQE) to join its Private Client department. The role is well suited to someone with strong technical expertise across complex probate, high‑value estates, intestacy matters and trust administration, who is also comfortable supervising junior team members.
This position offers a high degree of autonomy, a supportive team environment, and clear long‑term progression opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Probate & Estate Administration
Manage a varied caseload of probate and estate administration matters from initial instruction through to final distribution
Prepare and submit applications for Grants of Probate and Grants of Letters of Administration, including taxable estates and those involving foreign assets, business property or agricultural relief
Handle intestate estates and complex asset tracing matters
Draft detailed interim and final estate accounts
Advise executors, administrators, trustees and beneficiaries on procedural and tax-related issues
Liaise with HMRC, financial institutions, estate agents, accountants and other third parties
Wills, Trusts & Lifetime Planning
Draft Wills, Codicils, Deeds of Variation and Letters of Wishes, including matters involving complex family arrangements and tax planning
Advise on inheritance tax mitigation, exemptions and reliefs
Prepare and register Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection Deputyship applications
Support elderly and vulnerable clients with care, professionalism and discretion
Client Care & Compliance
Deliver a high standard of client care with clear, proactive communication
Ensure files are maintained in line with SRA requirements, AML regulations and internal risk procedures
Use case management systems effectively (experience with Proclaim is advantageous)
Supervise, mentor and support junior team members where required
Essential Skills & Experience
Minimum of 3+ years' PQE as a Private Client Solicitor/Fee Earner or a fully or part‑qualified STEP practitioner
Proven experience dealing with complex probate, trusts and estate administration
Strong working knowledge of private client legislation
Excellent drafting, communication and organisational skills
Experience supervising junior staff, or a willingness to take on supervisory duties
Ability to manage a caseload independently with strong attention to detail
Compassionate and professional approach to sensitive matters
Desirable Skills & Qualifications
Full STEP qualification (TEP) or STEP Advanced Certificates
Experience with BPR, APR, estates with foreign assets, trust tax returns and trust compliance
Exposure to contentious probate matters (non‑essential)
Interest in contributing to departmental growth and business development
What's on Offer
Competitive salary, dependent on experience
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements post‑probation
Supportive and collaborative working environment
Clear progression opportunities
Ongoing professional development, including STEP support where applicable
Access to specialist private client webinars and conferences
Friendly team culture
Free on‑site parking
Company pension scheme
Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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