Private Client Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive

The Role

We are currently recruiting for a Private Client lawyer based in either our Marks Tey and/or Braintree office. Servicing the community locally, you will handle a wide variety of quality Private Client matters. Working within a large and supportive team, you will manage your own caseload appropriate to your experience. The role is expected to involve most types of Wills and Probate cases, under supervision from The Head of Department and Senior Associates, providing extensive support. The responsibilities will be positioned between those of junior lawyers and the senior management team.

Our Private Client team adopts a proactive approach to service delivery, utilizing Case Management systems for estate administration and Will production. Many administrative and drafting tasks are performed by Legal Assistants and Paralegals. You should have a proven track record in delivering expert legal advice and high service levels to clients, working independently on your caseload.

The Day To Day

1. Advise clients and follow their instructions regarding Wills, LPAs, and estate administration.
2. Conduct initial client meetings, delegating tasks as appropriate to Paralegals and Legal Assistants within our Probate Administration and Wills and LPA Teams.
3. Oversee the progression of all cases and hold meetings with support staff.
4. Provide legal and technical input on ongoing matters.
5. Attend supervision sessions with the head of department.
6. Develop and maintain relationships with clients and professional contacts.
7. Collaborate with the marketing team to develop strategies and marketing materials.
8. Attend networking and business development events.
9. Supervise support staff supporting the Private Client Department.

What Experience Do I Need?

You must be a Solicitor or Legal Executive with ideally 3-8 years PQE. You should demonstrate:

• Experience drafting Wills and Powers of Attorney, managing your own caseload, including estate planning involving agricultural and business property.
• A strong understanding of administering taxable estates.

What Skills Should I Have?

• Effective communication skills at all levels.
• Ability to convey key information clearly and understandably.
• Self-motivated, organized, with good workload management skills.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure.

What Are We Offering?

• A supportive, relaxed, and flexible work environment within an experienced and growing team.
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Medicash and Unum dental schemes after 1 year of service.
• Life insurance.
• EAP and wellbeing services, including virtual GP access 24/7.
• Family-friendly policies such as enhanced maternity and paternity pay, family leave.
• Company sick pay.
• Cycle scheme.

At Holmes & Hills, we foster a culture of sharing, collaboration, and mutual respect. We are genuine, authentic, and down-to-earth. Our values reflect our commitment to clients and are central to our firm’s development and our 200 valued colleagues.

We offer a benefits package that supports work/life balance, flexibility, and family focus, with opportunities for career progression through our Career and Training Pathways.

About Us

Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk, employing over 200 legal professionals across various departments. We work closely with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families, and local authorities, to build long-term relationships and support their growth.

Working in Partnership

Our team provides proactive legal services through personal relationships, acting as trusted advisors to understand and meet our clients’ needs.

Recognition

Holmes & Hills is independently recognized by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading law firm in the region, ensuring our clients receive top-tier legal advice and representation.