Private Client Solicitor

William James Recruitment; St Albans; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Hybrid working

25 days leave

Christmas closure

Death in service 4x salary

Income protection

Illness cover

Free onsite parking

PD & career progression

Supportive team environment

High-quality private wealth exposure

Job summary

William James Recruitment is seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor to join its Private Wealth team in St Albans. You will handle a varied caseload from instruction to completion, delivering tailored advice to high-net-worth individuals and families.

The role offers hybrid working and clear progression, with exposure to wealth preservation, succession planning and estate administration, supported by a recognised Legal 500 department and senior partners.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor status with 3+ years' PQE in Private Client law.
• Experience handling wills, trusts, probate and estate administration.
• Knowledge of inheritance tax and succession planning strategies.
• Experience advising executors, trustees and high-net-worth individuals is advantageous.
• STEP qualification, or interest in obtaining it, would be beneficial but is not essential.
• Excellent drafting and technical skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• High attention to detail and proactive client service.
• Confident managing a full caseload with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of private client matters from instruction to completion.
• Advise on inheritance tax planning and wealth preservation strategies.
• Prepare wills and succession planning for individuals and families.
• Advise on creation, management and administration of trusts.
• Prepare Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters.
• Act for executors, trustees and beneficiaries in private wealth matters.
• Work with senior lawyers on complex estate planning and wealth structuring.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and provide trusted advice.
• Support business development, networking events and community initiatives.
• Mentor junior team members when appropriate.

Skills

Private client law

3+ PQE

Wills & trusts

Inheritance tax

Client relations

Drafting skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Solicitor qualification (England & Wales)

STEP qualification (beneficial)

Job description

Private Client Solicitor - St Albans - Up to £70,000 + Benefits + Bonus

A highly regarded and expanding law firm is seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor to join its successful Private Wealth team.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a Legal 500 recognised department that advises a broad range of clients, from local families and business owners through to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals across the UK. The team has built a strong reputation for delivering tailored, long-term advice on wealth preservation, succession planning and estate administration, and continues to attract high-quality instructions.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and well-established team, working closely with experienced partners on complex private client matters while enjoying significant client contact, excellent support and clear progression opportunities.

The Role:

• Manage a varied caseload of private client matters from instruction through to completion
• Advise clients on inheritance tax planning and wealth preservation strategies
• Prepare wills and provide succession planning advice for individuals and families
• Advise on the creation, management and administration of trusts
• Prepare and advise on Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection-related matters
• Act for executors, trustees and beneficiaries across a broad range of private wealth matters
• Work closely with senior lawyers on complex estate planning and wealth structuring arrangements
• Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships through exceptional service and trusted advice
• Support business development activities, networking events and community engagement initiatives
• Assist with the mentoring and development of junior team members where appropriate

About You:

• Qualified Solicitor status with 3+ years' PQE in Private Client law
• Strong experience handling wills, trusts, probate and estate administration matters
• Knowledge of inheritance tax and succession planning strategies
• Experience advising executors, trustees and high-net-worth individuals would be advantageous
• STEP qualification, or an interest in obtaining it, would be beneficial but is not essential
• Excellent technical and drafting skills
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities
• High attention to detail and a proactive approach to client service
• Confidence managing a full caseload with minimal supervision
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

The Benefits:

• Salary of up to £70,000 depending on experience
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Christmas office closure in addition to annual leave entitlement
• Death in service cover of 4x salary
• Income protection and illness cover
• Free onsite parking
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Exposure to high-quality private wealth work and sophisticated clients