Private Client Associate

JMC Legal Recruitment; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal recruitment firm in Bristol is seeking a Private Client Associate with over 3 years of PQE to enhance its prestigious private client department. This role includes managing a diverse caseload involving wills, trusts, and estate planning, alongside the opportunity for career development within a supportive culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid working model

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years' PQE in private client work.
• Experience handling own files across wills and probate.
• STEP membership (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Managing a broad range of private client matters with autonomy.
• Advising clients on wills, trusts, and tax-effective planning.
• Supporting senior colleagues on complex matters.

Skills

Communication

Commercial Awareness

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Private Client Associate
Location: Bristol
PQE: 3+ years
Contract: Permanent

An opportunity to grow your career at the heart of a thriving private client practice.

A highly regarded Private Client team in Bristol is looking to appoint a talented and commercially astute Associate to support the continued growth of its offering. Known for delivering first-class advice on complex wills, tax, trusts and estate planning matters, this team works with a broad mix of high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners and trustees.

This role presents the perfect platform for a driven private client lawyer to step into a visible, client-facing position in a team that balances sophisticated legal work with a collaborative and progressive culture.

The Role

You'll take ownership of a varied caseload spanning wills, probate, lifetime planning, trusts, and inheritance tax matters. From day one, you'll be involved in the full lifecycle of client relationships - providing hands-on advice, helping structure complex estates, and working closely with partners on strategic planning for high-value clients. You'll also be encouraged to get involved in the wider development of the team, whether through mentoring, thought leadership or business development initiatives.

This is a role where technical strength is matched with client empathy - and where your career will be supported with clear progression pathways and the freedom to grow in your own direction.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing a broad range of private client matters with autonomy and responsibility
• Advising clients on wills, estate administration, tax-efficient planning, and the creation and management of trusts
• Delivering high-quality client service with a practical, solutions-focused approach
• Supporting senior colleagues on complex and multi-layered instructions
• Taking an active role in developing internal and external client relationships
• Participating in networking, profile-building, and wider business development activities
• Contributing to the team's performance and aligning your objectives to firm-wide growth plans

What They're Looking For

• A qualified solicitor with a minimum of 3 years' PQE in private client work
• Experience of handling your own files from start to finish across a range of matters including wills and probate
• Strong communication skills and an ability to build lasting relationships with clients and intermediaries
• Commercial awareness and the confidence to contribute ideas in a supportive and agile team environment
• STEP membership (or progress towards it) is desirable but not essential

Why Apply?

This is a standout opportunity for a private client lawyer looking to take the next step in a firm that combines strong technical standards with a supportive and inclusive working culture. With a presence in Bristol and across the wider region, the firm continues to grow - creating space for ambitious associates to shape their own path and make a meaningful contribution.

The Package

You'll benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a hybrid working model that supports a healthy work-life balance. With transparent development criteria and a firm-wide focus on progression, your long-term career goals are genuinely supported here.

If you're ready to be part of a leading team where people are empowered and client service comes first, this Bristol-based role offers the challenge and reward you're looking for.