Private Client Associate

JMC Legal Recruitment; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

JMC Legal Recruitment is representing a leading UK law firm seeking a Private Client Associate in Cheltenham. The role targets 3-7 years' PQE with a focus on high-value, complex private client matters.

You will join a collaborative team handling succession planning, trusts, estate administration and tax planning, with opportunities to work alongside specialist groups. Hybrid working is available, with the role based in Cheltenham.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or CILEX lawyer with around 3-7 years' PQE.
• Experience in private client matters, including estate administration, trusts and inheritance tax.
• Ability to manage a substantial and varied caseload with autonomy.
• Strong drafting and technical skills.
• Commercial and practical client advisory approach.
• Ability to manage client relationships and work with junior lawyers.

Responsibilities

• Handle succession planning, trusts, estate administration and tax planning.
• Develop private wealth matters for high-net-worth clients.
• Collaborate with private client specialists and junior lawyers.
• Balance complex matters with autonomy and client relationship management.

Skills

Private client

Estate administration

Trusts

Inheritance tax

Drafting

Client relationships

Autonomy

Collaboration

Education

Qualified solicitor or CILEX lawyer

Job description

Private Client Associate | 3-7 PQE | Cheltenham

3+ PQE | UK Private Client | Cheltenham | Hybrid

A leading UK law firm is looking to strengthen its Cheltenham-based Private Client team with an Associate at around 3-7 PQE.

This is a genuine opportunity to work on high-value, complex private client matters within a highly regarded team, while enjoying the lifestyle and setting of the Cotswolds.

The Cheltenham office has a strong collegiate feel, with a close-knit team locally and access to a much wider UK and international network. You will work alongside experienced Private Client lawyers and have exposure to a broad range of partners, clients and matters.

The work

The team advises a sophisticated client base including:

• Entrepreneurs, investors and business owners
• Landed estates and families with heritage property
• High-net-worth individuals, professionals and senior executives
• UK and international families and trustees

Your work will cover a broad range of succession planning, trusts, estate administration and tax planning, often involving complex and high-value estates.

There is also the opportunity to work alongside specialist Private Property, Trust and Tax teams, giving you the chance to develop a broader understanding of private wealth matters and build a strong internal network.
Some matters will have an international element, although prior international experience is not essential.

The team

You will join an established Cheltenham Private Client team comprising Partners, a Senior Associate, Associates, a Trainee and dedicated Trust & Tax support.

The wider UK Private Client group is highly regarded for the quality of its work, and the team operates in a genuinely collaborative way. You will have access to senior lawyers with deep expertise across succession, trusts, tax, estates and wealth structuring, while still being trusted to take ownership of your own work.

Who they are looking for

The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor or CILEX lawyer with around 3-7 years' PQE and a strong background in private client work.
You should have:

• Strong experience across private client matters, particularly estate administration, trusts and inheritance tax
• The ability to manage a substantial and varied caseload with appropriate autonomy
• Strong drafting and technical skills
• A commercial and practical approach to client advice
• The confidence to manage client relationships and take ownership of matters
• The ability to work collaboratively and support more junior lawyers
• Excellent communication skills and a genuine interest in developing long-term client relationships

A STEP qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why consider it?

This is a role for someone who wants more than simply a bigger caseload.

You will be working on high-quality, complex private client matters, surrounded by experienced specialists and with the opportunity to develop your career within a well-established UK Private Client practice.

Whether you are looking to consolidate your experience at 3-4 PQE or are already operating at a more senior Associate level, there is scope to develop your career within the team.

You will also benefit from the firm's broader platform, giving you access to excellent work and clients while being based in Cheltenham rather than a major city.

Hybrid working is available, with the exact arrangement dependent on the requirements of the role and team.