Private client solicitor

Job Description

The successful candidate will advise individuals on a broad range of private client matters, including wills, estate administration, lasting powers of attorney, and trusts where applicable.

The role requires strong technical ability, excellent client care skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to manage a varied caseload with appropriate supervision. The successful candidate will be expected to develop strong client relationships, contribute to the continued growth of the department, and maintain the firm’s high standards of professional service.

Key Responsibilities

• managing a caseload of private client matters from initial instruction to completion
• taking client instructions and providing clear, practical, and accurate legal advice
• drafting wills, codicils, letters of wishes, and related documents
• advising on estate planning, succession planning, and inheritance tax issues
• preparing and advising on lasting powers of attorney and enduring powers of attorney
• advising attorneys and deputies on their duties and responsibilities
• handling probate and estate administration matters, including taxable and non-taxable estates
• preparing applications for grants of probate and letters of administration
• preparing inheritance tax forms, estate accounts, and related documentation
• advising on trusts, trust administration, and trustee duties where required
• liaising with executors, beneficiaries, trustees, accountants, financial advisers, HMRC, the Probate Registry, the Office of the Public Guardian, and other third parties
• identifying and managing legal, tax, regulatory, and professional conduct risks

General

• maintaining accurate attendance notes, file records, and client correspondence
• ensuring compliance with the firm’s policies, procedures, and regulatory obligations
• meeting billing, time recording, and financial targets
• assisting with business development, marketing, seminars, networking, and client relationship management
• supporting junior colleagues, trainees, or paralegals where appropriate

Person Specification

• a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, or otherwise suitably qualified legal professional with relevant private client experience
• experienced in handling a broad range of private client matters
• technically strong, with sound knowledge of wills, probate, powers of attorney, and trusts
• confident in managing files independently, subject to supervision appropriate to experience
• able to communicate clearly and sensitively with clients, including elderly and vulnerable clients
• organised, accurate, and able to manage competing deadlines
• commercially aware and confident in discussing costs with clients
• proactive in developing client relationships and identifying new opportunities
• able to work collaboratively within a team
• committed to high standards of client care and professional conduct

Essential Skills and Experience

• experience in drafting wills and lasting powers of attorney
• experience in probate and estate administration
• knowledge of inheritance tax and estate planning principles
• experience preparing probate applications and HMRC forms
• strong drafting and legal research skills
• excellent client care and communication skills
• good file management and case progression skills
• accurate time recording and good billing discipline
• ability to work independently and as part of a team
• awareness of capacity, safeguarding, and undue influence issues
• understanding of SRA regulatory obligations and confidentiality requirements
• good IT skills, including experience using case management systems.