Private Client Solicitor

2025; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional law firm is seeking a Senior Private Client Lawyer to establish and grow their Tax and Estate Planning practice in Bournemouth. The role requires at least 5 years of experience and expertise in wealth management and tax planning. In return, the successful candidate will enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits package

Support for professional growth

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in tax and estate planning.
• Experience handling complex private client matters is desirable.
• Proven problem-solving skills for high-net-worth clients.

Responsibilities

• Manage own caseload independently.
• Supervise and mentor junior team members.
• Lead development of Tax and Estate Planning services.
• Draft and update wills and trusts.
• Provide advice on inheritance and capital gains tax.

Skills

Client care

Technical excellence

Business development

Networking

Wills and lasting powers of attorney

Trust law and inheritance tax planning

Capital gains tax knowledge

Drafting ability

Strong communication skills

IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Education

STEP qualification

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.