Private Client Solicitor

VennGroup; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

VennGroup is seeking a Private Client Solicitor to join a Bournemouth-based team, handling wills, probate, estate administration and trusts. You will build client relationships and provide practical advice on sensitive family and financial matters.

Ideal candidates are England & Wales qualified with strong drafting and advisory skills, capable of managing autonomy and contributing to department growth.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with Private Client experience.
• Strong drafting, communication and client-relations skills.
• Ability to work with autonomy and manage complex estates.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of private client matters, including wills, probate, estate administration and powers of attorney.
• Draft wills and bequests, including complex arrangements and trusts.
• Advise on estate planning, inheritance tax and succession planning.

Skills

Private Client law

Wills & probate

Estate planning

Client relationship management

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

The Role

An established law firm is looking to recruit a Private Client Solicitor to join its team in Bournemouth.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and client-focused solicitor to manage a varied caseload of private client matters, advising individuals and families on wills, probate, estate administration, trusts and succession planning.

You will work closely with clients to understand their personal and financial circumstances, providing clear, practical advice on often sensitive matters. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take ownership of their caseload, build lasting client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of private client matters, including wills, probate, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney.
• Draft wills, including those involving complex family arrangements, inheritance planning and testamentary trusts.
• Advise clients on estate planning, inheritance tax considerations and succession planning.
• Administer estates from initial instruction through to final distribution, including obtaining grants of probate where required.
• Prepare and register lasting powers of attorney and advise clients on their options.
• Advise executors, trustees and beneficiaries on their duties, responsibilities and legal obligations.
• Handle trust administration and related matters where appropriate.
• Maintain regular communication with clients, financial advisers, accountants and other professional contacts.
• Identify potential legal and financial risks and provide clear, practical solutions.
• Maintain accurate file records and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, SRA regulations and professional standards.
• Manage deadlines, billing and financial targets in line with departmental expectations.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, contributing to repeat business and new instructions.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with experience in Private Client law.
• Experience managing a private client caseload with an appropriate level of autonomy.
• Strong technical knowledge of wills, probate, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney.
• Understanding of inheritance tax, trusts and estate planning principles.
• Excellent drafting, communication and client relationship management skills.
• A compassionate and professional approach when dealing with sensitive family and financial matters.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to developing client relationships.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.

Desirable:

• Experience dealing with complex estates, trust matters or inheritance tax planning.
• Membership of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) or a willingness to pursue further professional development.
• Experience generating new business and developing professional referral networks.