Private Client Senior Associate Solicitor / Partner

Realm Recruit; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-respected law firm in York is seeking an experienced Private Client Senior Associate or Partner to lead their private client offering. This role involves managing a diverse range of private client matters, including wills and trusts, with the opportunity to shape the office's strategy and contribute to its growth. The firm promotes a collaborative culture with flexible working arrangements and offers a competitive salary of up to £75,000 depending on experience.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Clear progression route to Partner

Employee-owned structure for job security

Qualifications

• Experienced private client solicitor with over 6 years of PQE.
• Ability to manage a variety of private client matters independently.
• Strong understanding of wills, LPAs, trusts, and estate administration.

Responsibilities

• Take over and manage an existing private client caseload in York.
• Consult and collaborate with colleagues in Leeds and Sheffield.
• Develop and execute growth strategies for the regional office.

Skills

Private client law expertise

Managing a caseload independently

Technical strength in wills and trusts

Collaborative teamwork

Autonomous work style

Education

6+ years PQE as a solicitor

Job description

• Shape and rebuild the York private client offering
• Enjoy autonomy, flexibility and a strong support network
• Opportunity to progress to Partner or build on existing status

A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced Private Client Senior Associate or Partner to join a highly respected firm and take ownership of its private client offering in York.

Following the departure of the previous senior solicitor, the team is seeking a confident and capable lawyer to take the reins, manage an existing caseload, and re-establish the firm’s York presence as part of a wider, collaborative team.

You’ll handle a broad private client caseload, including wills, LPAs, trusts, and both pre- and post-death work. You’ll be well-supported by colleagues in Sheffield and Leeds, but have the autonomy to run your own day-to-day operations and ultimately shape how the department grows in York. There is already a strong pipeline of work and a will bank in place, with plans to recruit further once a senior hire is embedded.

Who we’re looking for

• A private client solicitor with 6+ years’ PQE
• Able to manage a caseload independently and confidently
• Technically strong across wills, LPAs, trusts, and estate administration
• Comfortable working autonomously while liaising remotely with colleagues in other offices
• Collaborative and proactive, with an interest in helping to rebuild and grow a regional office

What you’ll be doing

• Taking over an existing York-based caseload and building on it
• Managing a variety of private client work including wills, LPAs, trusts, and complex pre/post-death matters
• Liaising with the wider private client team based in Leeds and Sheffield for support
• Representing and rebuilding the firm’s presence in York, with autonomy to shape the local strategy
• Playing a key role in the long-term growth of the team, including mentoring future hires

Salary & Benefits

• Up to £75,000depending on experience and level
• Flexible and hybrid working supported – 2 days from home, compressed hours, or part-time all considered
• A clear progression route to Partner, or continuation at Partner level for the right individual
• Collaborative, non-hierarchical culture with a focus on autonomy and trust
• Employee-owned structure providing additional job security and long-term stability

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood

📩 [e-mail]
📞 03300 245 606