Legal Director

Shakespeare Martineau; Leicester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Leicester is seeking a Senior Private Client Advisor to provide expert advice on taxation issues, trust administration, and estate management. This role involves supervising junior solicitors and participating in the firm's business development efforts. Candidates should have a strong background in private client law, excellent communication skills, and be willing to manage multiple tasks efficiently. A STEP qualification is preferred or candidates must be willing to pursue it. Competitive salary offered up to £90,000.

Qualifications

• Experience in producing Trust and Estate Accounts.
• Proven track record in managing tasks efficiently and with attention to detail.
• Ability to work without significant supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality private client advice on inheritance tax and succession planning.
• Supervise and mentor junior Solicitors.
• Attract additional business from new and existing clients.

Skills

Client relationship management

Technical expertise in private client law

Strong business development skills

Excellent written communication

Excellent verbal communication

High initiative and motivation

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Education

STEP qualification or willingness to study

Job description

This fantastic opportunity requires a passionate and technical operator with a wealth of experience advising on taxation issues, trust creation and administration wills and powers of attorney and dealing with the administration of estates. There is also the opportunity to help shape the direction of the team moving forwards and supervision of a junior team of lawyers will be a requirement of the role. You'll be a natural networker and keen to be involved with regional networking, identifying and securing new business opportunities.

The Team The team undertakes high quality, high profile and complex work dealing with all aspects of private client law. We offer advice on the following areas of Private Client law: Capital Tax planning including advising on the most appropriate structures via Wills, Trusts & Family Investment Companies, the creation and administration of Trusts including tax compliance, accounting services and professional Trusteeships, administration of estates (simple to complex), Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work, the creation and administration of Charitable Foundations and personal tax advice and compliance. Our clients' profiles consist of family business owners, landed estates, newly acquired wealth, private individuals with inherited wealth and their families and Trustees of substantial trusts.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality private client advice to all clients to include advising on inheritance tax and succession planning, preparing Balfour type reviews of businesses to ascertain the trading status of the client's business and advising on ways in which this can be improved, drafting wills, trusts, letters of wishes and powers of attorney including business powers of attorney.
• Develop and maintain good client relationship skills, gaining clients' confidence and that of other professionals.
• As a senior member of the team, you will help to supervise and mentor junior Solicitors.
• Participate in the growth and development of the department / firm by attracting additional business from new and existing clients.
• Undertake legal research to ensure accuracy of advice and procedures.
• Support internal procedures and systems including file / case management and time recording.
• Be able to demonstrate technical expertise and competence across a sufficiently wide area.
• Work without significant supervision.
• Have the flexibility to work outside normal office hours when required.

Qualifications

• A solid background in all areas of private client work – including the production of Trust and Estate Accounts and Tax Returns.
• Developed a particular strength and reputation in your work area demonstrating technical excellence while also being commercially aware with strong business development skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be a self‑starter, able to demonstrate high levels of initiative and motivation, yet willing to work closely with other team members at all levels.
• A demonstrable track record of managing assigned tasks in an assertive, efficient and timely manner with excellent attention to detail.
• Be able to multitask and keep calm under pressure.
• Use initiative and forward‑plan, anticipating the needs of clients and colleagues wherever possible.
• STEP qualified or willing to study for it.
• Require a full clean driving licence as travel is part of the role.

Salary: £90,000 up to partner salary.