Senior Associate

Brandon James; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious law firm in Guildford seeks a Senior Associate to join their Private Client department, handling complex private wealth matters for high-net-worth individuals. The role offers autonomy and significant career progression within a collaborative, supportive team structure. Candidates should possess strong expertise in estate planning, trusts, and tax, as well as a commitment to mentoring junior staff.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Income protection and life assurance

Firmwide bonus scheme

Generous pension contributions

Excellent career progression

Qualifications

• Experience in private client law.
• Technical understanding across estate planning, trusts, probate, and tax matters.
• Interest in mentoring and team development.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of private client matters.
• Advise high-net-worth individuals on sensitive matters.
• Support and mentor junior lawyers within the team.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Empathy

Professionalism

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx)

STEP Qualification

Job description

A prestigious law firm based in Guildford is seeking a Senior Associate to join their highly respected Private Client department. Known for its expert legal services to high-net-worth individuals, the firm specialises in estate planning, trusts, probate, and wealth preservation strategies. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Associate to handle high-quality work within a team recognised in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.

As a Senior Associate, you will step into a role that offers autonomy, responsibility, and long-term development. Working with industry-leading Partners, you will be exposed to complex private wealth matters while mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to the continued success of the team. The successful Senior Associate will benefit from a strong pipeline of quality work and a culture focused on human-first values.

The Senior Associate's role

The Senior Associate will:

• Manage a varied and complex caseload of private client matters, including wills, powers of attorney, inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning, estate administration, and trust creation and management
• Advise high-net-worth individuals and families on sensitive matters such as succession planning, lifetime gifting, and estate preservation
• Handle significant estates with professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail
• Support and mentor junior lawyers within the team, fostering professional development
• Contribute to marketing and business development initiatives, helping to build lasting client relationships and enhance the firm's profile in the private client sector

The Senior Associate Will Ideally have:

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx) with experience in private client law.
• STEP qualification is highly desirable.
• Strong technical understanding across estate planning, trusts, probate, and tax matters.
• Confident managing a full caseload independently with high attention to detail.
• Empathetic, personable, and professional in supporting clients during emotionally challenging periods.
• A genuine interest in mentoring and team development.

In Return?

• Salary range: 70,000 - 85,000
• Hybrid working available
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical insurance, income protection and life assurance
• Firmwide bonus scheme and generous pension contributions
• Excellent career progression with a top regional firm

If you're a Senior Associate ready to step into a high-profile role advising high-net-worth clients on complex private client matters, please do not hesitate to get in touch.