Private Client Associate Solicitor - 3+ PQE

QED Legal LLP; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed Scottish law firm is seeking a Private Client Associate to join its dynamic team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a solicitor with a minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience to thrive in a supportive environment that values work-life balance and career development. The role involves advising clients on diverse matters such as wills, trusts, and inheritance tax, while also fostering your own client relationships. With a commitment to professional growth and a collaborative culture, this firm offers a fulfilling career path for those ready to advance in private client law.

Qualifications

• Mindset focused on client needs and empathetic communication.
• At least two years PQE in private client work.

Responsibilities

• Advise individuals and families on wills, trusts, and tax planning.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Wills

Executries

Trusts

Tax Planning

Client Communication

Education

Solicitor Qualification

Job description

A highly respected Scottish law firm, consistently ranked among the country’s best, is seeking an experienced Private Client Associate to join its growing team in either Edinburgh or Glasgow. This is a fantastic opportunity for a solicitor with at least two years’ post-qualification experience to build a long-term, fulfilling career within a firm that is as committed to its people as it is to its clients.

The team advises a broad range of individuals and families, from business owners and professionals to high-net-worth individuals and trustees. The work is both interesting and varied, encompassing wills, succession planning, executries, inheritance tax advice, trusts, powers of attorney, guardianships, and often more complex matters involving international elements or family business dynamics. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with respected senior lawyers on technical, rewarding work while steadily growing your own client relationships.

This role offers more than just quality work—it offers clear development. The firm is known for its structured, supportive approach to career progression, with transparent criteria and regular feedback. Whether you’re aiming to specialise further, lead on more complex files, or work your way toward senior associate and beyond, your growth will be actively encouraged and nurtured from day one.

Crucially, this is a firm that recognises the value of balance and sustainability. In recent years, it has taken proactive steps to reduce billable hour targets across the business—creating space for lawyers to work more thoughtfully, maintain strong client relationships, and enjoy a healthier work-life balance. The private client team in particular has benefitted from this forward-thinking approach, making it a genuinely rewarding place to work.

The successful candidate will have at least two years’ PQE in private client work, with experience advising on core areas such as wills, executries, trusts, and tax planning. You’ll bring a client-focused mindset, a clear and empathetic communication style, and a strong sense of integrity. STEP membership is valued and supported, but not essential at this stage.

In return, you’ll join a warm and collegiate firm that prizes collaboration, quality, and care. Hybrid working is well established, and the culture is open, respectful, and supportive—making it an excellent environment to develop your expertise and your career.

If you’re a private client solicitor ready to take the next step in your development, within a leading Scottish firm that offers meaningful support and progression, we’d be delighted to speak with you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Neil Campbell at QED Legal via the details provided.