Senior Associate/Partner - Private Client - Essex

BWF Legal Recruitment; Essex; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Unknown Firm in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor to shape and lead the private client offering within a busy department. The role targets senior practitioners looking to influence strategy and growth, with autonomy and a platform to build on an established base.

You will oversee a portfolio of HNW individuals, families, and business owners, advising on estate planning, trusts, wills, probate, and related tax planning, while mentoring junior lawyers and

Qualifications

• Seven years' PQE in Private Client law.
• Strong reputation and technical expertise.
• Experience supervising teams and developing relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Private Client practice within the department.
• Mentor lawyers, attract talent, and drive growth.
• Develop long-term advisory relationships with HNW clients.

Skills

Private Client Law

Education

Solicitor qualification (England & Wales)

Job description

If you're an ambitious Private Client Solicitor ready to move beyond simply managing files and into a role where you can genuinely influence the direction of a busy private practice, read on …

A highly regarded and progressive law firm is looking to appoint a highly experienced Private Client Solicitor to take a leading role within its established department. Whether you are currently a Senior Associate seeking the next step, a Legal Director looking for greater autonomy or an existing Partner wanting the backing of a larger platform, this position offers the opportunity to build something significant.

This is far more than a fee earning role. You'll become a key figure in shaping the future of the Private Client offering, working alongside senior leadership to drive strategic growth, strengthen the firm's presence within the region and further enhance an already respected reputation. With a loyal client base, excellent internal referrals and continued investment, you'll inherit strong foundations while having the freedom to put your own stamp on the department.

You’ll advise a broad portfolio of HNW individuals, families, entrepreneurs, trustees and business owners across the full spectrum of Private Client work, including estate and succession planning, trusts, tax planning, wills, probate and complex estate administration. The quality of work is matched by the quality of the clients, allowing you to build long‑term advisory relationships rather than simply process transactions.

Equally important is your ability to inspire those around you. You’ll lead, mentor and develop lawyers, play an active role in attracting new talent and become a visible ambassador for the firm within the local business community. Business development will be viewed as an opportunity to expand an already successful practice, not a requirement to build one from scratch.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified Solicitor with at least 7 years' PQE and an excellent reputation within Private Client law. You’ll possess strong technical expertise, commercial awareness and a proven ability to develop trusted client relationships. Experience supervising teams, winning work and contributing to the strategic growth of a department will be highly valued. S TEP qualification would be advantageous but is by no means essential.

In return, you’ll join a forward‑thinking firm that continues to invest heavily in its people and its future. Alongside a competitive remuneration package, you’ll enjoy an excellent benefits offering, bonus scheme, hybrid and flexible working, generous annual leave and genuine long‑term career progression. Most importantly, you’ll be given the autonomy, trust and platform to make a lasting impact within a successful and growing business.