Job Description
Private Client Solicitor / Fee Earner or STEP‑Qualified Practitioner (3+ Years PQE)
Location: St Helens, Merseyside
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