Private Client Associate - Kingston

Simpson Judge; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Greater London is seeking a Senior Private Client Associate with over 8 years PQE. This role offers the chance to manage complex private client matters and mentor junior staff. You will work within a supportive environment focused on professional growth and have the opportunity to progress towards leadership within the firm. The position supports hybrid work, allowing for a flexible work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible working

Career progression opportunities

Professional development support

Qualifications

• 8+ years PQE in private client law.
• Ability to manage complex private client caseloads.
• Experience in cross-border private client issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex private client caseload from start to finish.
• Provide high-quality tax and estate planning advice.
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers.

Skills

Strong track record in wills and trusts

Excellent client-handling skills

Commercial awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Qualified solicitor

STEP / CTA / ATT qualifications

Job description

Private Client Associate - 8+ PQE

Location: Kingston, Surrey (Hybrid Working Available)

Are you a senior Private Client solicitor ready to step into a key role at a leading, full-service firm with a strong reputation in complex and cross-border private client work?

Job Overview

Our client - a well-established and highly regarded London-based law firm - is seeking a driven and technically strong Private Client Associate (8+ PQE) to join their expanding team in Kingston. This is a senior role with clear progression opportunities towards leadership and partnership, within a supportive and professionally ambitious environment.

What's On Offer

• Autonomous, high-level work - handle a wide range of complex and high-value matters: wills, trusts, estate and inheritance tax planning, estate administration, mental capacity issues, business succession, and international elements.
• Leadership and mentoring - supervise junior fee-earners, contribute to internal knowledge sharing, and play a key role in team development.
• Career path to partnership - the firm is committed to developing senior lawyers into future firm leaders.
• Flexible working - hybrid structure offering up to 40% remote working and access to other London and regional offices.
• International scope - opportunity to work on cross-border matters, particularly with the firm's dual-qualified French/English and Italian/English teams.

Who We're Looking For

A qualified solicitor with 8+ years' PQE in private client law.

• Strong track record across all core areas: wills, trusts, inheritance tax, probate, LPAs, and ideally, cross-border issues.
• STEP / CTA / ATT qualifications (or progress toward them) are highly desirable.
• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and client-handling skills.
• Commercially aware - experienced in managing billing, WIP, targets, and client expectations.
• A team player with a collaborative mindset and the ability to nurture junior talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a complex private client caseload from start to finish.
• Providing high-quality tax, trust, and estate planning advice to HNW and UHNW individuals.
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and support staff.
• Leading or supporting business development initiatives - e.g., writing articles, attending networking events, maintaining referrer relationships.
• Contributing to the team's financial performance by managing time recording, billing, and client profitability.

Why Join This Firm?

A highly respected firm with a strong heritage in private client law and top-tier client service.

• Known for excellence in cross-border private client work and niche international expertise.
• Friendly, collaborative culture with an emphasis on professional growth and long-term career development.
• A growing presence in Kingston with full integration into the wider firm and practice groups.
• Excellent resources, training, and infrastructure to support senior associates on the path to partnership