Probate Solicitor

Adecco; St Helens; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary based on experience

Ongoing professional development

Access to specialist seminars and training

Job summary

A legal recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor to join a growing practice in St Helens. The role involves managing probate and estate administration matters with significant autonomy, supporting junior team members, and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. The position offers hybrid working options after probation, a competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development. Ideal candidates have 3+ years PQE and a STEP qualification, showcasing strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years PQE in Private Client work.
• Strong experience managing probate and estate administration.
• Compassionate approach when dealing with sensitive issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of probate matters.
• Advise clients on estate planning and tax-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with SRA regulations and internal protocols.

Skills

Managing complex estates and probate matters

High-quality drafting skills

Client communication skills

Organizational skills

Supervision and mentoring

Education

STEP qualification or equivalent

Degree in Law

Tools

Proclaim (case management system)

Job description

Job Title: Private Client Solicitor / Fee Earner / STEP-Qualified Practitioner (3+ Years PQE)

Location: St Helens, Merseyside

Working Pattern: Hybrid working available following probation

Overview

An established and growing legal practice is seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor, Fee Earner, or STEP-qualified practitioner with a minimum of 3 years’ PQE. This is an excellent opportunity to join a busy and supportive Private Client department handling a wide variety of complex matters.

The successful candidate will manage a diverse caseload, work with a high degree of autonomy, and contribute to the supervision and development of junior colleagues. The role offers strong scope for progression in a professional and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of probate and estate administration matters from initial instruction through to final distribution.
• Prepare and submit applications for Grants of Probate and Grants of Letters of Administration, including matters involving tax considerations, foreign assets, business or agricultural relief.
• Draft comprehensive estate accounts (interim and final).
• Advise executors, administrators, trustees, and beneficiaries on procedural and tax-related issues.
• Liaise with HMRC, financial institutions, estate agents, accountants, and other third parties.

Wills, Trusts & Lifetime Planning

• Draft Wills, Codicils, Deeds of Variation, and Letters of Wishes, including more complex arrangements involving tax efficiency or blended family structures.
• Provide advice on inheritance tax planning, exemptions, reliefs, and long-term estate strategies.
• Prepare and register Lasting Powers of Attorney and handle Court of Protection deputyship applications.
• Support elderly and vulnerable clients with professionalism and empathy.

Client Care & Compliance

• Deliver exceptional client care with clear communication and proactive case progression.
• Ensure compliance with SRA regulations, AML requirements, and internal risk protocols.
• Use case management systems efficiently (experience with Proclaim is advantageous).
• Supervise and mentor junior team members where required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ PQE in Private Client work or part/full STEP qualification.
• Strong experience managing complex estates, trusts, and probate matters.
• Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation and procedures.
• High-quality drafting and communication skills.
• Experience supervising junior staff or willingness to develop this responsibility.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
• Compassionate and professional approach, especially when dealing with sensitive issues.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• Full STEP qualification (TEP) or advanced-level STEP study.
• Knowledge of BPR, APR, trusts containing foreign assets, trust tax returns, and ongoing trust compliance.
• Experience with contentious probate matters (not essential).
• Interest in contributing to team development and business growth.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Hybrid working options after successful probation.
• Clear opportunities for career progression within a supportive environment.
• Ongoing professional development, including STEP support where relevant.
• Access to specialist seminars, training, and webinars.