Newly Qualified Solicitor – Private Client

Legal Southwest Ltd; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday holiday

Pension

Life assurance

Well-being support

Job summary

Legal Southwest Ltd in Bridgwater invites a newly qualified private client solicitor to join a friendly, supportive team and build expertise in wills, probate and estate planning.

You will work under senior colleagues, manage a varied caseload, keep clear files, and provide client-focused advice while developing professionally within the firm.

Qualifications

• SQE route or traditional training contract completed.
• Interest in wills, probate and estate planning.
• Strong communication and client‑facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a private client caseload with supervision.
• Take client instructions and provide clear, sensitive advice on wills and probate.
• Draft wills and powers of attorney tailored to clients’ needs.
• Assist with grants of probate and estate administration.
• Maintain accurate files and manage deadlines.

Skills

Private client orientation

Education

SQE route or training contract

Job description

Location: Bridgwater, Somerset
Salary: Competitive, with a comprehensive benefits package

Are you a newly qualified solicitor looking to build your career in private client law within a friendly, supportive team?

Legal Southwest is recruiting on behalf of an established regional law firm seeking a Newly Qualified Private Client Solicitor to join its team in Bridgwater. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your expertise, work alongside experienced colleagues and build lasting relationships with clients.

Why join this firm?

Our client combines a strong commitment to client care with an inclusive, collaborative working environment. The firm invests in its people through training, mentoring and opportunities for progression, helping colleagues develop their confidence and reach their potential.

For a newly qualified solicitor, this offers the opportunity to gain practical experience across a varied range of private client matters, with guidance from knowledgeable colleagues as your responsibilities grow.

The Role

You will develop and manage a private client caseload appropriate to your experience, with support and supervision from senior members of the team. Typical responsibilities will include:

• Taking client instructions and providing clear, sensitive advice on wills, probate and estate administration.
• Drafting wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney tailored to client’s circumstances and wishes.
• Assisting with applications for grants of probate and letters of administration.
• Supporting the administration of estates, including identifying assets and liabilities, liaising with beneficiaries and preparing estate accounts.
• Assisting senior colleagues with trusts, inheritance tax and estate planning matters.
• Liaising with executors, beneficiaries, financial institutions and other professional advisers.
• Keeping clients informed throughout their matters and delivering a high standard of client care.
• Maintaining accurate files, recording time and managing deadlines.
• Following the firm’s procedures for client on-boarding, confidentiality and compliance.
• Contributing to the team’s development and building professional relationships within the local community.

About You

We welcome applications from solicitors who have qualified through either the SQE route or a traditional training contract.

Ideally, you will have completed a private client seat or gained relevant experience through qualifying work experience, a paralegal role or other legal employment.

You will also bring:

• A clear interest in developing a long-term career in private client law.
• Strong communication skills and a considerate approach to clients.
• Good organisation and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and recognise when to seek guidance.
• A willingness to learn, work collaboratively and develop your technical knowledge.

Salary and benefits

Alongside a competitive salary, the firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including annual leave plus bank holidays, a birthday holiday, pension, life assurance, enhanced sick pay and well-being support. Training and development opportunities provide further support as you progress in your career.