Private client is built on long-term relationships, discretion, and trust. Influence here doesn’t come from noise, it comes from credibility.
Many private client lawyers hesitate to think about “influence” because it sounds self-promotional. But in reality, influence is what determines who receives the most complex matters, who progresses, and who becomes indispensable within a firm.
And it can be built quietly.
Influence begins with trust in judgement
In private client teams, influence grows when:
- You’re trusted with sensitive or vulnerable clients
- You handle high-value or complex estates confidently
- Partners rely on your risk assessment
Trust compounds over time. When colleagues consistently feel safe handing you difficult matters, your internal influence strengthens, even if your title hasn’t changed.
Depth builds quiet authority
Being a safe pair of hands is expected. Developing recognised depth creates influence.
That might involve:
- Tax-sensitive estate planning
- Agricultural or business succession matters
- Complex Court of Protection issues
- High-net-worth advisory work
When your expertise becomes associated with a particular complexity, influence follows naturally.
Strengthen referrer and client relationships
Influence in private client often extends beyond the firm.
Lawyers who maintain strong professional relationships, handle clients with calm confidence and generate repeat instructions, gradually become central to the firm’s stability.
You don’t need to market loudly. Consistency builds authority.
Understand how perception works
Two lawyers may handle similar matters, but the one perceived as more autonomous, commercially aware, or trusted will often have greater influence internally.
Sometimes, an external perspective helps you understand how your experience is viewed, and how to strengthen that perception strategically.
In North West private client law, influence is rarely about profile. It’s about trust, complexity, and reliability over time.
If you’d like to understand how your private client career is positioned in the current market, or explore how to quietly strengthen your influence, Associate Director and private client careers specialist Kelly is always happy to have a confidential conversation.
