Private Client Solicitor (Director)

Realm Recruit; Leeds; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and competitive salary

Generous holiday allowance

Collaborative culture

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Leeds is seeking an experienced Private Client lawyer to step into a leadership role. You will manage high-quality HNW private client work, mentor juniors, and work closely with respected Partners. The firm offers flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment for growth without strict hierarchies. This is a rare opportunity to make a significant impact within a top-tier legal team.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing HNW client relationships and complex legal matters.
• Ability to mentor junior lawyers and contribute to team development.
• A collaborative mindset with exposure to advising business owners.
• Supervisory experience, able to mentor juniors.
• Strong technical expertise and commercial awareness.
• Exposure to advising business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Clear, confident communicator who can explain complex matters to clients.
• Ambitious team player with a collaborative, long-term mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage a high-quality, varied caseload of HNW private client work.
• Support Partners with succession planning by taking over key client relationships.
• Supervise a trainee and/or paralegal, contributing to the team’s development.
• Collaborate with intermediaries and referrers to grow your network.
• Contribute to the team’s strategic growth and reputation in the region.
• Engage in BD activities alongside the Partners – no pressure, just partnership.

Skills

8+ PQE Private Client Solicitor

Proven experience handling HNW estates, trusts, tax planning and complex wills

Strong technical expertise and commercial awareness

Clear, confident communicator

Ambitious team player

Education

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

• Lead and shape HNW private client work with a Legal 500 Tier 2 team
• Work alongside renowned Partners in a firm with clear progression to Partnership
• Flexible hybrid working + exceptional caseload + standout team reputation

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Private Client lawyer to step into a leadership role in one of the fastest-growing private client teams in Leeds.

You’ll join a Legal 500 Tier 2 firm, working directly with highly respected Partners to take on and develop relationships with HNW clients, mentor juniors, and contribute to the long-term growth of the team.

Whether you’re on the Legal Director track (technical specialist) or seeking progression to Partner via the Managing Associate route, the firm will shape the role around your aspirations, strengths, and long-term goals.

Who we’re looking for

• 8+ PQE Private Client Solicitor
• Proven experience handling HNW estates, trusts, tax planning and complex wills
• Background at a well-supervised firm with quality training
• Supervisory experience, able to mentor juniors
• Strong technical expertise and commercial awareness
• Exposure to advising business owners and entrepreneurs
• Clear, confident communicator who can explain complex matters to clients
• Ambitious team player with a collaborative, long-term mindset
• A following would be considered but not essential

What you’ll be doing

• Manage a high-quality, varied caseload of HNW private client work
• Support Partners with succession planning by taking over key client relationships
• Supervise a trainee and/or paralegal, contributing to the team’s development
• Collaborate closely with intermediaries and referrers to grow your network
• Contribute to the team’s strategic growth and reputation in the region
• Engage in BD activities alongside the Partners – no pressure, just partnership

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: Flexible and competitive salary which is shaped around the individual
• Bonus: Collaborative, quality-driven culture, not a rigid billing environment
• Holiday: Generous allowance (specifics available on request)
• Hybrid: 2 days from home + flexible start/finish options
• Development: Work closely with two of the region’s most respected Partners
• Recognition: Join a Legal 500 Tier 2-ranked team, recently elevated

If you’re a technically strong, commercially minded Private Client lawyer who’s ready to take the next step in your career, this is your opportunity to make an impact in a firm that will support your growth, without red tape or rigid hierarchy.

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood

Call 03300 245 606 or [e-mail] to find out more or apply confidentially.