Private Client Solicitor

Realm Recruit; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected legal firm in North Yorkshire seeks a Lead Private Client Lawyer to manage a diverse caseload. This role offers a clear pathway to partnership and promotes a supportive culture with hybrid working arrangements. The ideal candidate has over 5 years' experience and will provide exceptional service to high-net-worth clients while contributing to team growth and development. Excellent mentorship and flexibility in working conditions are highlighted, making this a desirable position for ambitious lawyers.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

High-quality work with affluent clients

Strong mentorship from highly respected partners

Additional holiday benefits and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Private Client Solicitor.
• Experience running a full Wills, Probate, Trusts and LPAs caseload.
• Court of Protection experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a full private client caseload autonomously.
• Draft Wills, Trusts and LPAs.
• Handle estate administration and probate.

Skills

Strong communication and client-care skills

Excellent financial discipline and time-recording habits

Down-to-earth, empathetic, and collaborative personality

Ambitious and proactive

Education

5+ PQE Private Client Solicitor

STEP qualification

Job description

• Become the lead Private Client lawyer in North Yorkshire for a Legal 500 & Chambers HNW‑ranked team
• Work with high‑quality clients in one of Yorkshire’s most affluent catchment areas
• Clear, genuine pathway to partnership with hybrid working and a people‑first culture

This is a rare opportunity to join one of Yorkshire’s most respected regional private client teams and become the key senior fee earner in North Yorkshire.

You’ll be joining a down‑to‑earth, supportive organisation with a genuine “happy lawyers are better lawyers” ethos.

Hybrid working, wellbeing investment and a non‑hierarchical culture sit alongside high‑quality work and real career headroom.

Who we’re looking for

• 5+ PQE Private Client Solicitor
• Experience running a full Wills, Probate, Trusts and LPAs caseload
• Court of Protection experience (strongly preferred)
• STEP qualification (desired)
• Strong communication and client‑care skills
• Excellent financial discipline and time‑recording habits
• Down‑to‑earth, empathetic, and collaborative personality
• Ambitious, proactive and comfortable working independently
• Background in a reputable regional, national or strong high‑street firm

What you’ll be doing

• Manage a full private client caseload autonomously
• Draft Wills, Trusts and LPAs
• Handle estate administration and probate
• Maintain high standards of compliance, confidentiality and financial control
• Provide exceptional client service across a varied HNW client base
• Build strong relationships with clients and referrers
• Contribute to team development and departmental growth
• Participate in ongoing learning, development and training opportunities

Salary & Benefits

• Legal 500 & Chambers HNW‑ranked team
• Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023
• High‑quality work with affluent client base
• Clear path to partnership
• Hybrid working: 1–2 days WFH per week
• Part‑time considered
• Strong mentoring from highly respected partners
• Flexible working to help avoid traffic
• Additional holiday benefits and wellbeing initiatives
• No pressure to do BD (though welcome if you enjoy it)

Contact Bill Szajna‑Hopgood

📩 [e-mail]

📞 03300 245 606

Bill specialises in recruiting private client lawyers across Yorkshire and can talk you through whether this senior, high‑quality role in Ilkley is the right next step in your career.