Associate Solicitor Probate 5+ Years PQE

Brandon James; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Career progression

Professional development support

Job summary

Brandon James is seeking an experienced Associate Solicitor (5+ PQE) to join its Private Client team, specialising in Probate and Estate Administration. The role involves managing a varied caseload with autonomy and advising executors, trustees, and beneficiaries from instruction through to completion.

You will draft Wills, LPAs and trust documentation, handle inheritance tax matters, and contribute to business development while mentoring junior colleagues.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales.
• 5+ years' PQE in probate and estate administration.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical knowledge of probate, estate administration, inheritance tax and trusts.
• Experience handling complex and high-value estates.
• Excellent client care and relationship management.
• Strong drafting, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organisation and time management.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of probate and estate administration from instruction to completion.
• Advise executors, administrators, trustees and beneficiaries on estate administration.
• Prepare and submit probate applications, inheritance tax returns and related documentation.
• Deal with taxable and non-taxable estates.
• Handle complex estates, including intestacy, trusts and high-value estates.
• Advise on inheritance tax and wider estate-related matters.
• Draft and review Wills, LPAs and trust documentation as required.
• Liaise with clients, beneficiaries, HMRC, financial institutions and other advisers.
• Maintain clear communication with clients throughout the administration process.
• Contribute to business development and relationships with professional referrers.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to Private Client growth.
• Ensure regulatory and professional compliance.

Skills

Client care

Drafting

Time management

Attention to detail

Estate administration

Inheritance tax

Trusts

Problem-solving

Commercial awareness

Independence

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Associate Solicitor with 5+ years' PQE to join a growing Private Client team, specialising in Probate and Estate Administration.

The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload with a high degree of autonomy, advising executors, administrators, trustees and beneficiaries throughout the estate administration process. This role would suit a confident solicitor with strong technical knowledge, excellent client care skills and the ability to take ownership of matters from initial instruction through to completion.

The Role

• Manage a varied caseload of probate and estate administration matters from instruction through to completion.
• Advise executors, administrators, trustees and beneficiaries on all aspects of estate administration.
• Prepare and submit probate applications, inheritance tax returns and associated documentation.
• Deal with both taxable and non-taxable estates.
• Handle more complex estates, including intestacy, trusts and high-value estates.
• Advise clients on inheritance tax and wider estate-related matters.
• Draft and review Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and trust documentation where required.
• Liaise with clients, beneficiaries, HMRC, financial institutions and other professional advisers.
• Maintain clear and regular communication with clients throughout the administration process.
• Ensure all matters are managed in accordance with regulatory and professional requirements.
• Contribute to business development and develop relationships with professional referrers.
• Support and mentor junior members of the team where appropriate.
• Play an active role in the continued growth and development of the Private Client department.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales.
• 5+ years' PQE with strong experience in Probate and Estate Administration.
• Proven ability to manage a caseload independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical knowledge of probate, estate administration, inheritance tax and trusts.
• Experience handling complex and high-value estates.
• Excellent client care and relationship management skills.
• Strong drafting, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Commercially aware with a strong commitment to client service.
• Professional, approachable and empathetic manner.
• Confident working independently while contributing positively to a wider team.

Desirable

• STEP qualification or working towards STEP.
• Experience acting for high-net-worth clients.
• Existing relationships with professional referrers would be advantageous.
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior lawyers or paralegals.

What's on Offer

• £55,000 - £65,000 salary, depending on experience.
• Full-time, permanent position.
• Initially office-based, with scope to explore hybrid working.
• Career progression within a growing Private Client team.
• Support for professional development and further qualifications.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Opportunity to take genuine ownership of a varied and interesting caseload