Private Client Principal Associate

REALM RECRUIT; West Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent law firm in Leeds is seeking a Private Client Principal Associate to take over a busy caseload. This role provides the opportunity to lead on high-value client matters while mentoring junior lawyers in a supportive, people-first environment. The firm offers a highly competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a hybrid working model. You will enjoy 28 days holiday, plus additional benefits including medical insurance and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Bonus opportunities

Hybrid working: 2 days in the office, 3 days from home

28 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Life cover

Income protection

Generous pension

Tech / cycle-to-work schemes

Flexible benefits options

Qualifications

• Extensive experience handling complex and high-value private client work.
• Proven track record of working with HNW individuals and business owners.
• Operates confidently and credibly at Principal Associate or Partner level.

Responsibilities

• Taking ownership of existing Leeds-based matters following a senior handover.
• Advising HNW clients on complex estates, succession, tax, trusts, and cross-border planning.
• Leading and mentoring junior colleagues in Leeds.

Skills

Complex and high-value private client work

Estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate

Client relationship-building

Mentoring junior lawyers

Business development

Job description

Apply now

• Step into an established HNW caseload within a national team
• Shape the growth of the Leeds Private Client presence
• Enjoy autonomy, flexibility, and a clear route to full partnership

A rare opportunity has arisen for a Private Client Principal Associate to join one of the UK’s most respected law firms, taking over a busy Leeds-based caseload from a departing senior lawyer.

This role offers the chance to lead on high-value matters, collaborate nationally, and help grow the firm’s local footprint, all while working flexibly and being part of a supportive, people-first team.

Who we’re looking for

• Extensive experience handling complex and high-value private client work
• Strong technical background in estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate
• Proven track record of working with HNW individuals and business owners
• Able to manage own caseload and mentor junior lawyers
• Excellent relationship‑building and client development skills
• Operates confidently and credibly at Principal Associate or Partner level
• Collaborative, ambitious, and commercially minded

What you’ll be doing

• Taking ownership of existing Leeds-based matters following a senior handover
• Advising HNW clients on complex estates, succession, tax, trusts, and cross‑border planning
• Leading and mentoring junior colleagues in Leeds, supporting their development
• Contributing to wider business development efforts and building referral networks
• Collaborating with the national private client team to share knowledge and support
• Playing a key role in growing the firm’s local private client presence

Salary & Benefits

• Highly competitive salary
• Bonus opportunities linked to performance and contribution
• Hybrid working: 2 days in the office, 3 days from home
• 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Private medical insurance, life cover, and income protection
• Generous pension and tech / cycle-to-work schemes
• Award-winning benefits platform with flexible options
• Inclusive, down-to-earth national team with high employee retention
• Top Employer certified for 18 years and counting

This is an exciting senior opportunity for someone looking to make a real impact in Leeds while enjoying the support and infrastructure of a truly collaborative national firm.

Interested in growing the Leeds private client presence at a leading national firm?

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood

📩[e-mail]

📞 03300 245 606