Private Client Solicitor – 2-5 Years’ PQE – Berkshire

Origin Legal; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established law firm in Reading is seeking a Private Client Solicitor with 2-5 years PQE to join their team. This hybrid role involves managing probate cases, drafting legal documents, and advising high-net-worth clients on estate planning. The firm offers a supportive culture focused on work-life balance, professional development, and the opportunity to build a long-term career in private client work.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Professional development opportunities

Hands-on work with clients

Qualifications

• 2–5 years' PQE in Private Client / Wills, Trusts & Probate.
• Confident handling probate and estate administration independently.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong communication and drafting skills.

Responsibilities

• Managing your own probate caseload from start to finish.
• Drafting wills, LPAs, and lifetime trusts.
• Advising on estate planning, including IHT, capital gains, and succession.

Skills

Probate handling

Estate administration

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Drafting skills

Tax planning

Education

STEP qualification or working towards it

2–5 years PQE in Private Client

Tools

Modern case management systems

Job description

Overview

I’m working with a well-established law firm in the Thames Valley that’s looking to expand its Private Client team with the hire of a solicitor between 2–5 years PQE. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to join a friendly, down-to-earth team that handles high-quality private client work with a strong reputation in the local market. The initial focus will be on probate and estate administration, but the role offers broader exposure including wills, trusts, LPAs and estate planning work – particularly for high-net-worth clients and business owners. There is also the chance to work alongside a respected partner on complex tax and succession planning matters, including international estates and trusts.

Location, level and type

Location: Reading (Hybrid working – 2 to 3 days in office)

Level: Associate

Salary: Competitive / DOE

Practice Area: Private Client / Wills, Trusts & Probate

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Key responsibilities

• Managing your own probate caseload from start to finish
• Drafting wills, LPAs and lifetime trusts
• Advising on estate planning, including IHT, capital gains and succession
• Working with business owners, high-net-worth clients, and vulnerable individuals
• Providing advice on trust formation, management and administration
• Supporting business development and helping raise the team’s profile locally

What they’re looking for

• 2–5 years’ PQE in Private Client / Wills, Trusts & Probate
• Confident handling probate and estate administration independently
• STEP qualified or working towards STEP (preferred but not essential)
• Interest or experience in tax planning and wealth preservation
• Excellent attention to detail, with strong communication and drafting skills
• Comfortable using modern case management systems and digital tools
• Commercially aware and keen to contribute to the growth of the team

Why consider this role?

This is a team that genuinely values work-life balance, with hybrid working (2–3 days in the office) and a culture that supports development without long hours. You’ll get hands-on work, plenty of client contact, and the chance to grow your expertise in more complex tax and trust matters. It’s a great option for someone looking to join a respected private client team and build a long-term career in the Thames Valley.

Next steps

For a confidential chat about the role, get in touch with Origin Legal.