Solicitor - Private Client (Agri) - 3 Yrs PQE+

Shakespeare Martineau; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive salary

Support for professional development

Job summary

A leading legal firm in the UK seeks a Private Client Solicitor with 3+ years PQE to assist agricultural clients. This role offers hybrid working with flexibility and requires exceptional interpersonal and organisational skills. Responsibilities include drafting complex legal documents, maintaining client relationships, and providing advice on taxation. The ideal candidate should be adaptable and willing to contribute to the department's growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years PQE as a Private Client Solicitor.
• Ability to maintain and build client relationships.
• Experience with agricultural clients is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting complex legal documents for agricultural clients.
• Provide advice on taxation and succession.
• Conduct private client work and maintain client database.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Exceptional organisational skills

Good numeracy skills

Strong written and oral communication skills

Basic accountancy skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Summary

Private Client Solicitor (focus on Agriculture) – 3+ years PQE.

• Hybrid working – flexibility with a requirement to be in office 3–4 days a week
• Competitive salary
• Full‑time or part‑time opportunity
• Exciting range of high‑net‑worth client work specialising in agriculture
• Based in one of the hubs: Leicester, Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Nottingham, Birmingham, Solihull, or Lincoln

Responsibilities

• Assist senior fee earners with drafting complex wills, letters of wish, lasting powers of attorney, trust deeds, and administering complex estates, particularly for agricultural clients.
• Provide advice on complex technical points relating to taxation, partnerships and general succession.
• Turn work around within a reasonable timeframe and keep senior fee earners regularly informed of progress.
• Undertake fee‑earning work independently and as part of the team, contributing profitably to the department.
• Maintain existing client relationships and develop new relationships with third‑party referrers.
• Conduct private client work and related matters on behalf of clients.
• Showcase a willingness to participate in the growth and future development of the department, building the client database and marketing the firm’s services.
• Maintain orderly, up‑to‑date files electronically and comply with firm file‑management policies.
• Complete time‑recording and other management records required by the firm.
• Use case‑management programmes to run cases.
• Liaise with clients, taking messages, arranging meetings, and communicating professionally, diplomatically, and sensitively.
• Liaise with other professionals such as financial advisers and accountants.
• Conduct legal research and maintain financial control of own matters, including cash‑flow and billing procedures.
• Recognise fee‑earning opportunities and develop them appropriately.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal skills – personable, approachable, and genuinely interested in dealing with individuals and families.
• Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to work efficiently and accurately in a busy role.
• Good numeracy skills and competence in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, adaptable to a wide range of clients and professionals.
• Professionalism, high standard of honesty and integrity, with a personal touch.
• Basic accountancy skills for reconciling client accounts.
• Willingness to be a “culture fit” – caring, enthusiastic, and ready to go the extra mile for clients.

Benefits & Agile Working

We embrace agile working, offering a blended approach to where and how we work. Flexible working is supported and valued; where you work matters as much as what you do. The firm’s hubs include Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Southampton, Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Lincoln and Sheffield.

Equal Opportunities

Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusivity, ensuring all candidates and staff are treated equally regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or belief.