NQ Private Client Solicitor

• Work directly alongside the Head of Private Client, with hands-on mentoring and funded STEP qualification
• Take over an established caseload while developing your exposure to more complex Private Client work
• 2 days working from home, a 35-hour week and genuine long-term progression within a growing team

If you’re an early-career Private Client Lawyer looking for somewhere you can develop your technical expertise without being left to figure everything out alone, this Leeds opportunity offers the support to do exactly that.

You’ll join an established Wills & Estates team with a loyal client base and take over an existing caseload covering wills, probate, LPAs and estate administration. You’ll work particularly closely with the Head of Private Client, gaining direct mentoring and exposure to more complex work as your confidence develops.

The requirement initially arose to provide maternity cover, but the firm’s preference is to find someone who can become a permanent, long-term member of the department. There’s a strong history of internal progression, and you’ll be supported to complete STEP qualifications and gradually take on greater responsibility as the team continues to grow.

The role is primarily based in Yeadon, with hybrid working available once you’re established and occasional travel to the firm’s other Leeds and Pudsey offices.

Who we’re looking for

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with Private Client experience (E)
• Experience managing a Private Client caseload (E)
• Experience advising on wills, probate and LPAs (E)
• Confidence drafting wills and LPAs (E)
• Estate administration experience (E)
• Strong client-facing experience (E)
• Excellent communication and client-care skills (E)
• Ability to organise and progress your workload independently (E)
• Personable and empathetic approach, particularly when supporting elderly or vulnerable clients (E)
• Enthusiastic, positive and keen to continue learning (E)
• Collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to the wider team (E)
• Around NQ–3 PQE (D) – NQs with a strong Private Client seat will be considered
• Court of Protection and trusts experience (D)
• STEP qualification or an interest in completing STEP (D)
• Commercial awareness and interest in business development (D)
• Ambition to build a long-term career within Private Client (D)

What you’ll be doing

• Taking over and managing an existing Private Client caseload
• Advising clients on wills and succession planning
• Handling probate and estate administration matters
• Drafting and advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Gaining exposure to trusts, Court of Protection and elderly client work
• Working closely with the Head of Private Client on client matters
• Supporting senior fee earners with more complex work
• Building long-term relationships with clients and their families
• Participating in appropriate business development and cross-referral opportunities
• Keeping your technical knowledge up to date
• Contributing to the continued growth of the Wills & Estates team

Salary & Benefits

• Approximately £37,000 at NQ level, rising to around £50,000 depending on experience
• Scope for further flexibility for the right person
• Annual bonus of up to 10% of salary
• 2 days working from home following successful onboarding
• 35-hour working week
• Flexible start and finish times
• STEP qualification supported and funded
• Structured mentoring and development
• Strong track record of internal progression
• Opportunity to progress into more senior positions as the department grows
• 31 days’ holiday including bank holidays
• Birthday off each year
• Additional holiday with long service
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Annual travel card loan
• Regular funded social events
• Part-time working open to discussion
• Supportive approach to work-life balance

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood
📩 bill.szajnahopgood@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 606

Bill specialises in Private Client and Court of Protection recruitment across Yorkshire and can give you a clear picture of the team, development available and how this opportunity compares with other Private Client roles currently on the market.

While this advert sets out the criteria applicable to each salary band, the salary guidance given is purely indicative. The precise salary offered within that band will ultimately be determined by the hirer, taking into account the individual candidate’s experience, qualifications and overall suitability for the role.