Private Client Principal Solicitor

REALM RECRUIT; West Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor for a Principal Associate role in Leeds. This opportunity involves managing high-value private client work while providing a clear pathway to partnership. Candidates should have strong experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families, with a focus on estate planning and collaboration. The position includes a competitive salary, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits. Join a supportive team and grow your career in this esteemed practice.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Private healthcare

Pension and life assurance

Income protection

Technology and cycle-to-work schemes

Clear route to full equity partnership

Qualifications

• Experience advising HNW individuals, business owners, and families.
• Ability to manage complex cases independently.
• Ambitious with a long-term view toward partnership.

Responsibilities

• Manage existing Leeds-based private client work.
• Handle complex private client matters and advice.
• Collaborate with senior colleagues in the national team.

Skills

Senior Private Client solicitor

Estate planning expertise

Trust and wills management

Client relationship management

Business development contributions

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.