A well-established and reputable firm in St Helens is looking to appoint an experienced Private Client Solicitor, Fee Earner or STEP-qualified practitioner (or someone working towards STEP). This role is ideal for someone confident with complex estates, comfortable working autonomously, and keen to support junior colleagues as the team continues to grow.
You’ll manage a varied caseload across probate, estate administration, wills, trusts and wider lifetime planning. This includes handling matters from initial instruction through to distribution, often involving more technical issues such as tax, agricultural or business relief, foreign assets and intestacy. You’ll provide clear advice to executors, trustees and beneficiaries, prepare estate accounts, and liaise with HMRC and other professionals throughout the process.
You’ll also draft Wills, Codicils, Letters of Wishes and Deeds of Variation, advise on inheritance tax strategies, and prepare LPAs and Court of Protection applications. Supporting elderly and vulnerable clients with sensitivity is an important part of the role. Strong compliance awareness is essential, ensuring all files meet SRA and AML standards while maintaining excellent client care.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Managing your own caseload of probate and estate administration matters
2. Preparing Probate and Letters of Administration applications
3. Drafting Wills and associated documents
4. Advising on inheritance tax mitigation and estate planning
5. Preparing and registering LPAs and deputyship applications
6. Liaising with HMRC, financial institutions and other third parties
7. Supervising and mentoring junior staff where required
You’ll ideally bring at least 3 years’ PQE in Private Client or be fully/part-qualified with STEP. You should have strong experience handling complex estates and trusts work, excellent drafting skills and the ability to manage your workload independently. A compassionate, professional approach to sensitive client matters is key.
Desirable experience:
8. STEP qualification (full or ongoing)
9. Trust tax returns and ongoing compliance
10. Experience with estates involving foreign assets
11. Exposure to contentious probate (non-essential)
What’s on Offer
The role offers a competitive salary dependent on experience, hybrid working after probation, and clear opportunities for progression within a supportive and collaborative team. You’ll have access to ongoing professional development, including STEP support where applicable, as well as specialist conferences and webinars. Additional benefits include:
12. Free onsite parking
13. Company pension scheme
14. Friendly, down-to-earth team culture