Private Client Solicitor

Jonathanlea; Haywards Heath; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

22 days’ annual leave

Performance bonus

Job summary

A forward-thinking law firm is seeking a Private Client Solicitor for their Haywards Heath office. This role offers a competitive salary between £45,000 and £70,000 per annum, along with a 20% performance bonus on billings above £180,000. The ideal candidate will manage a varied caseload, providing high-quality advice on wills and estate planning. A strong focus on client satisfaction and technical expertise is essential, along with the ability to work in a collaborative environment. The firm also emphasizes flexibility and innovation in its practices.

Qualifications

• Experience in private client work is essential.
• Technically strong with attention to detail.
• Comfortable managing files independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied private client caseload.
• Advise clients with clarity and sensitivity.
• Draft wills and estate planning documentation.
• Conduct probate and estate administration matters.
• Provide tax-aware succession planning advice.

Skills

Client-focused

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Empathy

Organised

Education

Qualified solicitor

STEP qualification (advantageous)

Job description

Private Client Solicitor Full-time | Office-based, Hybrid Working or Fully Remote | Haywards Heath, Mid- Sussex

Basic salary: £45,000 – £70,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Bonus: 20% of billing above £180,000 per annum
Commission: 15% of any work introduced to the firm

Jonathan Lea Network (JLN) is seeking a technically strong and client-focused Private Client Solicitor to join our growing team.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop and expand a high-quality private client practice within a modern, entrepreneurial firm that values initiative, collaboration and commercial thinking, without unnecessary hierarchy or rigidity.

You will advise individuals, families and business owners on a broad range of private client matters, delivering clear, pragmatic and commercially aware advice.

About JLN

JLN is a modern, forward-thinking, full-service law firm based in Mid-Sussex, advising clients across England and Wales and internationally. We are known for combining strong technical expertise with a personable, pragmatic approach to client service.

We are committed to high-quality legal work within a collaborative, supportive and open working environment, supported by a strong team culture and active social side.

Our values are central to how we operate:

• Responsive and client-centred
• Expertly insightful
• Personable and collaborative
• Innovative and technology-enabled

You will manage your own private client caseload, acting as the main point of contact for clients and delivering sensitive, clear and technically accurate advice.

Experience in some, or all of the following areas:

• Wills and estate planning
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Probate and estate administration
• Trust creation and administration
• Inheritance tax planning
• Deputyship applications
• Court of Protection matters
• Advising high-net-worth individuals and business owners

You will have autonomy from day one, supported by a mixed-level team and our wider network of consultant solicitors where specialist input is required.

This role presents an opportunity to help grow and shape the firm’s private client offering.

Key Responsibilities as Private Client Solicitor Include:

• Managing a varied private client caseload
• Advising clients with sensitivity, clarity and commercial awareness
• Drafting wills, trusts and estate planning documentation
• Conducting probate and estate administration matters
• Providing tax-aware succession planning advice
• Taking introductory calls and converting new enquiries
• Engaging with AI and legal technology embedded in JLN’s working practices
• Contributing to marketing, networking and business development initiatives

The Ideal Candidate

You will be:

• A qualified solicitor with experience in private client work
• Technically strong and detail-oriented
• Comfortable managing files independently
• Client-focused and empathetic
• Commercially aware
• Organised, responsive and pragmatic
• Open to innovation and comfortable working in a tech-enabled environment
• Someone who enjoys contributing positively to team culture

STEP qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join JLN?

This role offers high-quality work without the constraints of a traditional firm structure.

You will benefit from:

• Hybrid working with genuine flexibility
• A firm that embraces AI and modern ways of working
• Direct client contact and autonomy
• Regular team events and a friendly, inclusive culture
• 22 days’ annual leave (rising to 25 days with service)
• Salary sacrifice options
• Performance bonus: 20% of billings above £180,000 per annum
• Commission: 15% of any work introduced to the firm

Location

This role is best suited to candidates based in Surrey, Sussex or Kent, with flexibility to attend our Haywards Heath office where appropriate.

However, we are open to considering strong candidates from further afield who wish to work on a fully remote basis.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply, please send your CV and covering letter to: