Legal Counsel jobs in United Kingdom

Senior Private Client Lawyer – Tax & Estate Planning

Our client, a highly regarded regional law firm, is seeking a talented and experienced Private Client Solicitor to lead the development of their Tax and Estate Planning practice in a new Bournemouth office, set to open in summer 2025. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious lawyer to shape and grow a new offering while benefiting from the firm’s established reputation and support.

The Role

This position is ideal for a fee earner with a strong track record in client care, technical excellence, billing, business development, and networking. The successful candidate will:

• Manage their own caseload independently.
• Supervise and mentor junior team members.
• Lead the development and expansion of the firm’s Tax and Estate Planning services in Bournemouth.
• Receive initial supervision and PA support from the firm’s main Southampton office, with regular visits from colleagues to ensure a seamless transition.

This is a full-time role based primarily in Bournemouth.

Key Responsibilities

• Administration of estates and trusts.
• Drafting and updating wills.
• Advising on and executing variations of wills.
• Preparing and registering lasting powers of attorney.
• Providing specialist advice on inheritance tax and capital gains tax treatment for trusts.
• Drafting a wide range of trusts and associated deeds.
• The Candidate

  The ideal candidate will:

• Have at least 5 years’ experience in tax and estate planning (exceptional candidates with slightly less experience will be considered if they have worked in a firm handling complex private client matters).
• Demonstrate expertise in:
• Wills and lasting powers of attorney.
• Trust law and inheritance tax planning.
• Capital gains tax, stamp duties, and income tax.
• Drafting and problem-solving for high-net-worth clients.
• Hold a STEP qualification.
• Contribute significantly to the department’s development and long-term growth strategy.
• Possess strong communication skills (both written and verbal), excellent drafting ability, and a commercially driven approach.
• Be highly organised, proactive, and a strong team player.
• Have solid IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

Rewards & Benefits

• This firm is committed to supporting its employees’ professional growth and overall well-being. The successful candidate will benefit from a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, along with a supportive and dynamic working environment that encourages career progression.

• This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Private Client lawyer looking to take the next step in their career by leading and shaping a new regional practice. If you are a dedicated and forward-thinking professional eager to make an impact, we would love to hear from you.