Private Client Principal Solicitor

Realm Recruit; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Leeds is seeking a Principal Associate to advise high-net-worth clients. This senior-level position involves managing complex private client matters with a clear path to full partnership. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in estate planning and building long-term client relationships. The role offers hybrid working and a comprehensive benefits package, fostering a supportive culture and significant career advancement opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Private healthcare

Pension and life assurance

Income protection

Technology and cycle-to-work schemes

Qualifications

• Senior Private Client Solicitor typically at Principal Associate or Senior Associate level.
• Strong experience advising high-net-worth individuals and business owners.
• Proven background in estate planning, trusts, and wills.

Responsibilities

• Taking ownership of existing Leeds-based private client work.
• Managing a caseload of high-value and complex matters.
• Advising on estate and succession planning for individuals and families.

Skills

Advising high-net-worth individuals

Managing complex private client matters

Building client relationships

Estate planning expertise

Trusts and wills knowledge

Mentoring junior colleagues

Job description

• Principal Associate role advising high-net-worth and entrepreneurial clients
• Clear pathway to partnership with autonomy to grow the Leeds private client offering
• Hybrid working with a senior-level salary and comprehensive benefits package

This is a senior opportunity for an experienced Private Client Solicitor to step into an established Leeds-based client base within a highly regarded national private client team.

The role has arisen following the relocation of a senior colleague, meaning there is already high-quality work in place. You’ll take ownership of existing Leeds matters, ensure continuity for clients, and play a key role in strengthening and expanding the private client presence locally.

You’ll handle complex, high-value private client work while working closely with senior colleagues across the national team. For the right person, this role offers genuine long-term progression, with a clear and realistic route to full partnership and the opportunity to shape the future of the Leeds practice.

Who we’re looking for

• Senior Private Client solicitor, typically operating at Principal Associate / Senior Associate level
• Strong experience advising HNW individuals, business owners and families
• Proven background in estate planning, trusts, wills and succession planning
• Comfortable managing complex matters independently
• Confident building and maintaining long‑term client relationships
• Able to contribute to business development and referral relationships
• Commercially aware, credible, and professional in front of clients
• Collaborative mindset, with an interest in mentoring and supporting junior colleagues
• Ambitious with a long‑term view toward partnership

What you’ll be doing

• Taking ownership of existing Leeds‑based private client work
• Managing a caseload of high‑value and complex private client matters
• Advising on estate and succession planning for HNW individuals and families
• Handling trusts, wills, probate and complex estate administration
• Advising business owners and entrepreneurs on asset and succession structures
• Building and maintaining strong client and intermediary relationships
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members locally
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider national private client team
• Contributing to the continued growth of the Leeds private client offering

Salary & Benefits

• Hybrid working with up to 3 days working from home
• Part‑time working considered
• Generous holiday allowance
• Private healthcare
• Pension and life assurance
• Income protection
• Technology and cycle‑to‑work schemes
• Inclusive, supportive culture with strong national backing
• Clear and supported route to full equity partnership

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood

📩 [e-mail]

📞 03300 245 606

Bill specialises in senior private client and partnership‑track roles across Yorkshire and can provide a clear comparison with other Principal Associate and partnership opportunities across Yorkshire.