Senior Private Client Solicitor & Deputy Head of Dept

Reed; Pennington; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

34 days holiday

Birthday day off

New Forest parking

Health cash plan

Group life cover

Staff discount

Training programs

Central location

Social events

Job summary

Reed in Lymington seeks a Senior Associate Solicitor to lead complex private client matters including wills, probate, and estate planning. You will advise on tax strategies, supervise junior staff, and drive client relationships in a role with leadership opportunities as Deputy Head of Department.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years PQE, strong leadership, and STEP towards qualification; excellent communication and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with at least 5 years' PQE in private client law.
• Expertise in wills, probate, trusts, estate planning, and tax planning.
• Strong leadership skills with experience supervising and mentoring.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• STEP qualification or working towards it preferred.
• Client-focused approach with high levels of confidentiality and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex private client matters including wills, probate, trusts and estate planning.
• Advise on tax mitigation strategies and structuring affairs.
• Handle sensitive issues such as elderly client care, capacity matters, and Court of Protection applications.
• Supervise and mentor junior colleagues, promoting a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Drive business development efforts, building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Stay updated with legal developments to ensure compliance and best practice across all matters.
• Act as Deputy Head of Department and support operational leadership and planning.
• Drive process and service improvements to enhance client service delivery.
• Potential progression to Head of Department based on demonstrated capability.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Communication

Negotiation

Wills & Probate

Tax planning

Team mentoring

STEP qualification

Education

Solicitor qualification (England & Wales)

Job description

Reed in Lymington seeks a Senior Associate Solicitor to lead complex private client matters including wills, probate, and estate planning. You will advise on tax strategies, supervise junior staff, and drive client relationships in a role with leadership opportunities as Deputy Head of Department.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years PQE, strong leadership, and STEP towards qualification; excellent communication and confidentiality are essential.