Private Client Solicitor

2025; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established regional law firm is seeking a Senior Private Client Lawyer to lead their new Tax and Estate Planning practice in Bournemouth. This is a unique opportunity for a driven lawyer to shape a new offering while leveraging the firm's strong reputation. The role involves managing a caseload, mentoring junior staff, and providing expert advice on trusts and estate management. The firm offers a competitive salary and a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. If you are passionate about making an impact in a dynamic setting, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Excellent Benefits Package

Professional Growth Opportunities

Supportive Working Environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in tax and estate planning.
• Expertise in wills, trusts, and inheritance tax planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage own caseload and supervise junior team members.
• Draft wills, trusts, and provide tax advice.

Skills

Client Care

Technical Excellence

Business Development

Networking

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Education

STEP Qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Private Client Lawyer – Tax & Estate Planning

Our client, a highly regarded regional law firm, is seeking a talented and experienced Private Client Solicitor to lead the development of their Tax and Estate Planning practice in a new Bournemouth office, set to open in summer 2025. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious lawyer to shape and grow a new offering while benefiting from the firm’s established reputation and support.

The Role

This position is ideal for a fee earner with a strong track record in client care, technical excellence, billing, business development, and networking. The successful candidate will:

• Manage their own caseload independently.
• Supervise and mentor junior team members.
• Lead the development and expansion of the firm’s Tax and Estate Planning services in Bournemouth.
• Receive initial supervision and PA support from the firm’s main Southampton office, with regular visits from colleagues to ensure a seamless transition.

This is a full-time role based primarily in Bournemouth.

Key Responsibilities

• Administration of estates and trusts.
• Drafting and updating wills.
• Advising on and executing variations of wills.
• Preparing and registering lasting powers of attorney.
• Providing specialist advice on inheritance tax and capital gains tax treatment for trusts.
• Drafting a wide range of trusts and associated deeds.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will:

• Have at least 5 years’ experience in tax and estate planning (exceptional candidates with slightly less experience will be considered if they have worked in a firm handling complex private client matters).
• Demonstrate expertise in:
• Wills and lasting powers of attorney.
• Trust law and inheritance tax planning.
• Capital gains tax, stamp duties, and income tax.
• Drafting and problem-solving for high-net-worth clients.
• Hold a STEP qualification.
• Contribute significantly to the department’s development and long-term growth strategy.
• Possess strong communication skills (both written and verbal), excellent drafting ability, and a commercially driven approach.
• Be highly organised, proactive, and a strong team player.
• Have solid IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

Rewards & Benefits

This firm is committed to supporting its employees’ professional growth and overall well-being. The successful candidate will benefit from a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, along with a supportive and dynamic working environment that encourages career progression.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Private Client lawyer looking to take the next step in their career by leading and shaping a new regional practice. If you are a dedicated and forward-thinking professional eager to make an impact, we would love to hear from you.