Private Client Senior Associate

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Chatham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary £65,000–£80,000 DOE

Clear partnership track

25 days annual leave

Flexible and hybrid working

Pension scheme

Discretionary bonus

Supportive, inclusive culture

Modern offices in Chatham

Regular social events and wellbeing

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking a Private Client Senior Associate for a leadership role in Chatham. You will manage a high-value caseload across wills, probate, trusts and tax planning, while mentoring junior colleagues and driving business development.

The role offers an attractive salary of £65,000–£80,000 DOE/PQE, with hybrid working options and a clear route to partnership in a forward‑thinking firm committed to professional development and client service excellence.

Qualifications

• 6+ years' PQE as Private Client Solicitor (Senior Associate level preferred).
• Extensive UK private practice experience is essential.
• Expert knowledge of wills, probate, trusts, tax and estate planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead on a diverse, high-value private client caseload including wills, probate, trusts and estate planning.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior solicitors and paralegals.
• Drive business development and client relationship management.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex legal documents with external stakeholders.

Skills

PQE 6+ years

Leadership

Business development

Client management

Mentoring

Independent / team work

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive

Job description

Private Client Senior Associate

Location: Chatham Area

Salary: £65,000–£80,000+ DOE/PQE

Step Up as a Senior Associate with a Leading Chatham Law Firm

Are you a highly experienced Private Client Solicitor ready to take on a senior leadership role? Our client, a respected law firm in Chatham, is seeking a Private Client Senior Associate to lead on complex matters, mentor junior colleagues, and play a key part in the continued growth of the department.

The Opportunity

Location: Chatham, Kent (office-based with flexible/hybrid working considered)
Salary: £65,000–£80,000 per annum
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm

Join a forward-thinking firm renowned for its quality work, supportive culture, and commitment to professional development. You’ll handle a high-value caseload, drive business development, and have a clear route to partnership.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of complex private client matters (wills, probate, trusts, estate and tax planning, powers of attorney)
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior solicitors and paralegals
• Advise high-net-worth clients on estate and succession planning
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex legal documentsLiaise with clients, beneficiaries, financial institutions, and external professionals
• Lead on business development and client relationship management
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and firm standards

What We’re Looking For

• 6+ years’ PQEas a Private Client Solicitor, ideally with experience at Senior Associate level
• Extensive UK private practice experience
• Expert technical knowledgeof wills, probate, trusts, tax and estate planning, and related areas
• Demonstrable leadership, business development, and client management skills
• Excellent communication, organisational, and mentoring abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Relevant legal qualification(Solicitor or Legal Executive)

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary:£65,000–£80,000 DOE
• Clear partnership trackand senior career progression opportunities
• 25 days’ annual leaveplus bank holidays
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Pension schemeand discretionary bonus
• Supportive, inclusive team culture
• Modern offices in central Chatham, close to transport links
• Regular social events and wellbeing initiatives

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to equal opportunities and maintaining the highest standards of client and candidate confidentiality.