Private Client Solicitor

Eventus Recruitment Group; Chester-le-Street; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave plus bank+ 3-4 at

NEST pension

Job summary

Eventus Legal in Chester-le-Street seeks an experienced Private Client Solicitor to manage an established caseload of private client matters and offer high-quality client service. There is scope for leadership within the Private Client Department for the right candidate.

The role requires substantial experience in wills, probate and estate administration, with strong client care, communication and organisational skills. Hybrid working is available, dependent on caseload and client appointments.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience handling a broad range of private client matters.
• Strong probate and estate administration knowledge and independence.
• Experience with wills and related private client work; leadership potential.

Responsibilities

• Independently managing a varied caseload of Wills, Probate and Estate Administration matters.
• Advising clients on the preparation and execution of Wills, including complex arrangements.
• Handling Probate and Estate Administration from instruction to final distribution.
• Advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney and other private client matters.
• Developing and supervising the Private Client Department where appropriate.
• Billing, WIP and financial management of the caseload.
• Collaborating with colleagues across the wider firm.

Skills

Private Client experience

Wills & Probate knowledge

Estate Administration

Client communication

Team leadership

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive

Job description

Eventus Legal are seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor to join a Lexcel-accredited law firm in Chester-le-Street, County Durham. This is a full-time, permanent job opportunity offering a competitive salary of up to £60,000 depending on experience, hybrid working subject to caseload requirements, 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and an additional 3 to 4 days' paid leave over Christmas. The firm is open to appointing either an experienced Private Client Solicitor or a more senior solicitor who would welcome the opportunity to lead and develop the department, but this is not essential. This is an excellent opportunity to manage an established caseload, work alongside experienced legal professionals and take on a level of responsibility that reflects your expertise and career ambitions.

Role Responsibilities

The successful Private Client Solicitor will take responsibility for an existing caseload of private client matters, providing high-quality advice and a personal service to clients. For those with the appropriate experience and ambition, there is also the opportunity to assume responsibility for the management and development of the department.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Independently managing a varied caseload of Wills, Probate and Estate Administration matters.
• Advising clients on the preparation and execution of Wills, including more complex arrangements where appropriate.
• Handling Probate and Estate Administration matters from initial instruction through to final distribution.
• Advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney and other associated private client matters.
• Advising on Trusts and Trust Administration where experience allows, with the opportunity to develop this area of work.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, professional contacts and referrers.
• Ensuring files are managed efficiently, profitably and in accordance with the firm's quality and compliance procedures.
• Taking responsibility for billing, work in progress and financial management of your caseload.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider firm.
• For a senior appointment, providing supervision, guidance and leadership within the Private Client Department, alongside supporting its continued development.

Person Specification

This opportunity would suit a knowledgeable Private Client Solicitor who enjoys managing their own work and delivering a high standard of client care. Previous management experience is not essential, as the firm is equally interested in experienced fee earners who would prefer to concentrate on their caseload.

You should also be able to demonstrate the following:

• Substantial experience handling a broad range of Private Client matters within private practice.
• Strong technical knowledge of Probate and Estate Administration, with the ability to manage these matters independently.
• Experience in Wills and associated private client work.
• The confidence and ability to manage an established caseload with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when dealing with sensitive or complex client circumstances.
• Strong organisational skills and a practical approach to caseload management.
• A commitment to delivering an efficient, professional and personal service.
• Experience advising on Trusts would be advantageous but is not essential.
• For those interested in departmental leadership, the ability to supervise colleagues, support professional development and contribute to the continued success of the department.

Although the preference is for a qualified Solicitor or Legal Executives, applications from highly experienced non-qualified Private Client Fee Earners with substantial independent Probate experience may also be considered.

Benefits and Rewards

The firm offers an attractive combination of annual leave, flexibility and a working environment in which you can manage your own caseload. The salary and level of responsibility will reflect the experience and expertise of the successful applicant.

The successful Private Client Solicitor will also benefit from:

• Competitive salary of up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience, expertise and the level of responsibility undertaken.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• An additional 3 to 4 days' paid leave over the Christmas closure period, without deduction from your annual leave entitlement.
• Hybrid working, subject to caseload requirements and the need to accommodate client appointments.
• Workplace pension through NEST.
• A full-time position, with applications from those seeking a four-day working week considered depending on experience.
• The opportunity to take on departmental leadership responsibilities if desired and appropriate to your experience.

About the Law Firm

Our client is an established, Lexcel-accredited law firm providing legal services to individuals and families across County Durham and the surrounding areas. The firm offers a range of legal services, with an emphasis on professional advice and personal client relationships.

The Private Client Department supports clients with Wills, Probate and related matters, with an existing caseload and opportunities to develop additional areas of expertise, particularly Trusts.

The firm offers a collaborative working environment, with experienced colleagues across different practice areas. This appointment provides the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the continued delivery and development of its Private Client services.

We are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.

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