Private Client/General Practice Solicitor, Hawick

CULLEN KILSHAW LIMITED; Hawick; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career progression

Professional development

Growth of Hawick office

Job summary

Cullen Kilshaw Limited in Hawick seeks a Private Client Solicitor to join our team. The role centers on personal client advice, taking instructions for wills, Powers of Attorney and estate planning, with occasional residential conveyancing.

You will manage your own caseload in a well-established firm known for community ties and client care. We welcome applicants with private client experience or those combining private client and general practice, including conveyancing.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in Scotland with private client experience or dual practice background.
• Experience drafting wills, Powers of Attorney and estate planning documentation.
• Ability to meet clients, take instructions and advise independently.
• Strong client care, communication and time management.
• Experience with residential conveyancing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to take instructions for wills, Powers of Attorney and estate planning matters.
• Draft wills, Powers of Attorney and other private client documentation.
• Provide clear, practical legal advice tailored to clients’ circumstances.
• Manage a varied caseload including Wills, Powers of Attorney, Executry, Trusts and Estate planning.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and liaise with third parties as needed.
• Handle residential conveyancing transactions where appropriate (sales/purchases/remortgages).
• Ensure file management, records and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Wills & POA

Estate planning

Residential conveyancing

Client communication

Case management

Compliance & AML

Business development

Education

Solicitor in Scotland

Newly Qualified to 5+ PQE considered

Job description

• Full-time
• Hawick
• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience

Due to continued growth and increasing demand within our Hawick office, we are seeking a Private Client Solicitor to join our team.

This role is ideally suited to a solicitor with private client experience who enjoys working closely with clients and providing practical, compassionate advice on matters that are often of significant personal importance. A key aspect of the role will be meeting with clients to take instructions for wills, Powers of Attorney and estate planning matters, therefore confidence in conducting client appointments and delivering a high standard of client care is essential.

While a specialist private client solicitor would be ideal, we would also welcome applications from solicitors with experience in both private client and general practice work, including residential conveyancing.

The successful candidate will manage their own caseload while providing a high‑quality, practical and client‑focused service within a well‑established and growing firm with strong community ties and an excellent reputation across the South of Scotland and East Lothian.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to take instructions for wills, Powers of Attorney and estate planning matters.
• Draft wills, Powers of Attorney and other private client documentation.
• Provide clear, practical legal advice tailored to clients’ individual circumstances.
• Manage a varied caseload of private client matters including: – Wills – Powers of Attorney – Executry administration – Trust administration – Estate planning
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through excellent service and communication.
• Liaise with beneficiaries, financial advisers, care providers and other third parties where required.
• Handle residential conveyancing transactions where appropriate, including: – Sales and purchases – Transfers of title – Remortgages
• Liaise with colleagues across the firm to ensure the delivery of an efficient and seamless service.
• Maintain accurate file management and case records.
• Ensure compliance with Law Society of Scotland regulations, AML procedures and firm policies.
• Support business development initiatives and help strengthen the firm’s presence within the local community.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in Scotland (NQ-5 + PQE considered).
• Experience managing private client matters with minimal supervision.
• Experience preparing wills and Powers of Attorney.
• Confidence in meeting clients, taking instructions and advising independently.
• Excellent communication and client care skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Professional, approachable and proactive manner.

Desirable

• Specialist experience in private client work.
• Experience handling complex estate planning matters.
• Experience administering executries independently.
• Experience handling residential conveyancing transactions.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff.
• Interest in networking and business development activities.
• Familiarity with legal case management systems.

Key Skills

• Excellent client-facing and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to explain legal matters clearly and sensitively.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Problem‑solving and analytical ability.
• Empathy and professionalism when dealing with clients.
• Commercial awareness.
• Teamwork and collaboration.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Established client base and strong pipeline of work.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of our Hawick office.
• A rewarding role helping clients make important decisions about their future and protecting the interests of their families.