Partner, Private Client

Howells Legal Limited; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Leave: 25+ days and extra days

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme

Gym discounts

Growth & development

Milestone recognition

Events

Refer a friend scheme

Discounted childcare

Job summary

Howells Legal Limited is seeking an ambitious Private Client Partner to lead and grow the Wills, Probate & Private Client practice across Swansea and Bridgend. You will recruit, mentor and develop a regional team while handling a high-quality fee-earning caseload and expanding client relationships.

You will work closely with the leadership team to deliver strategic growth, win new business, and raise the firm’s profile in South Wales, ensuring exceptional client service and adherence to

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with a minimum of 8 years’ PQE in Private Client law.
• Proven track record of advising on wills, probate, trusts and related matters.
• Experience in winning new work and developing client relationships and referrers.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop sources of work for Private Client across Swansea & Bridgend.
• Lead regional business development to expand client base and market share.
• Build relationships with private clients, professional referrers, advisers and estate agents.
• Recruit, mentor and develop the Private Client team while collaborating with leadership.
• Manage a high-quality fee-earning caseload including wills, probate, trusts and enduring powers of attorney.
• Ensure compliance with SRA requirements and time-recording procedures.
• Promote cross-referrals and maintain high professional standards.
• Represent the firm at events and in the community across the region.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Commercial awareness

Communication

Organisational skills

Networking

Mentoring

Team development

Integrity

Education

Solicitor/Chartered Legal Executive (Private Client)

Tools

Case Management System

Job description

At Howells, we combine a fresh and forward-thinking approach with a client-focused, local feel to deliver a range of award‑winning, quality services.

We are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Private Client Partner to lead the growth of our Wills, Probate & Private Client offering across the Swansea and Bridgend regions. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced lawyer who is passionate about developing a thriving regional practice, building lasting client relationships and establishing a high‑performing team from the ground up. Alongside managing a high‑quality fee‑earning caseload, you will play a key role in raising the firm’s profile across South Wales, developing new business opportunities and implementing a strategic growth plan. Working closely with the firm’s leadership team, you will recruit, mentor and develop talented colleagues while positioning Howells as a leading provider of Private Client services throughout Swansea and Bridgend.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Identifying and developing sources of work in the fields of work undertaken in the Private Client team across Swansea and Bridgend.
• Working with the head of the Private Client team to produce and deliver a regional business development strategy to expand the firm’s client base and increase market share.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with private clients, professional introducers, financial advisers, accountants, estate agents, care providers and other key stakeholders.
• Acting as a visible ambassador for the firm through networking, community engagement and professional events across the region.
• Managing a varied and high-quality fee-earning caseload, including wills, estate administration, probate, trusts, lasting powers of attorney, Court of Protection matters and estate planning.
• Identifying and securing new business opportunities while maintaining a strong personal fee-earning contribution.
• Collaborating with the head of Private Client to develop the firm’s Private Client services in Bridgend and Swansea, including the recruitment of staff as workloads develop, at all times fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence and continuous development.
• Supervising, mentoring and supporting junior lawyers and support staff when required.
• Managing case files, correspondence and diaries in accordance with the firm’s procedures, ensuring compliance with SRA requirements.
• Completing time recording, performance reviews and other management information required by the firm.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across all practice areas to maximise cross-referral opportunities.
• Delivering exceptional client care and maintaining the highest professional standards.
• Working confidently with the firm’s Case Management System and embracing technology to improve client service and operational efficiency.
• Completing safeguarding training and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns in accordance with firm policies.
• Maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality, professionalism and integrity.
• Undertaking any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of Private Client.

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with a minimum of 8 years’ PQE (or equivalent experience) specialising in Private Client law.
• A proven track record of advising on a broad range of private client matters, including wills, probate, estate administration, trusts, inheritance tax planning, lasting powers of attorney and Court of Protection work.
• Demonstrable experience of winning new business and developing strong relationships with clients and professional referrers.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and capitalise on opportunities for business growth.
• Previous leadership or management experience, with the ability to recruit, develop and inspire a successful team.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with the ambition to establish and grow a leading Private Client practice across Swansea and Bridgend.
• A commitment to maintaining a significant personal fee-earning contribution while leading the department.
• Outstanding client relationship management and business development skills.
• Excellent communication, networking and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and case management abilities.
• Excellent IT skills with the ability to quickly adapt to new systems.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and commercial judgement.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to contributing to the wider success of the firm.

What you’ll receive:

• Annual Leave:Enjoy a minimum of 25 days each holiday year, plus bank holidays and extra time off to unwind, including an additional personal day, a day off for your birthday, and a discretionary paid day during the Christmas break.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme:Option to buy up to 3 extra days of leave annually to support your work-life balance.
• Gym Discounts:Access discounted memberships to help you stay active and healthy.
• Growth & Development:We’re invested in your career with opportunities for learning and advancement.
• Milestone Recognition:Celebrate your dedication with recognition and awards for key milestones.
• Events:Take part in various networking, corporate, and charity events throughout the year.
• Refer a Friend Scheme:Get rewarded for referring talented friends and connections to join the team.
• Discounted Childcare:Benefit from an agreed discounted rate at a nearby nursery, helping to make childcare more affordable and convenient.

Successful candidates will be subject to a basic or enhanced DBS disclosure dependent on the role. Permanent employment is conditional on having a satisfactory DBS check. You will therefore be asked to disclose any unspent convictions during the recruitment process.