Private Client Solicitor

• Just 3 chargeable hours per day, with a genuine focus on quality over billing pressure
• Varied, high-quality Private Client work including taxable estates, trusts and succession planning
• Hybrid working, flexible hours and clear progression towards Associate level and beyond

Are you an experienced Private Client Solicitor looking for greater autonomy, high-quality work and a better work-life balance?

This award-winning Yorkshire firm is looking for a Private Client Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive to join its growing team, ideally based in Wakefield, although other local offices can be considered.

You’ll manage an established mix of wills, probate, estate administration, LPAs, trusts and Court of Protection matters, with exposure to more complex taxable estates and succession planning work.

The team is led by a highly respected Private Client specialist who has received national recognition for their expertise. You’ll benefit from approachable senior support and regular catch-ups while enjoying the autonomy to manage your own files without unnecessary supervision.

The culture is friendly, collaborative and down-to-earth, with excellent staff retention and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. The firm has received regional and national recognition for both its legal work and working environment.

Who we’re looking for

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (E)
• Experience independently managing a Private Client caseload (E)
• Strong wills, probate, LPAs and estate administration experience (E)
• Solid technical Private Client knowledge (E)
• Ability to manage files with minimal supervision (E)
• Excellent client care and communication skills (E)
• Strong organisation and time management (E)
• Proactive, personable and self-sufficient approach (E)
• Collaborative team mentality (E)
• Experience with trusts and taxable estates (D)
• STEP qualification or working towards it (D)
• Business development or networking experience (D)

What you’ll be doing

• Managing a varied Private Client caseload
• Drafting wills and advising on estate planning
• Handling probate and estate administration
• Advising on LPAs
• Managing trust administration
• Handling Court of Protection matters
• Advising on taxable and non-taxable estates
• Supporting succession planning
• Building strong client relationships
• Progressing matters independently
• Collaborating with senior colleagues

Salary & Benefits

• Up to £65,000, depending on experience
• Bonus of 10% of billings above target
• Additional team bonus when departmental targets are met
• Just 3 chargeable hours per day target
• Hybrid working – up to 2 days from home after probation
• Flexible start and finish times
• Compressed hours considered
• Part-time potentially considered
• 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Birthday off
• Additional Christmas closure days
• Healthcare scheme
• Pension scheme
• Free parking
• Regular social and wellbeing events
• STEP qualification support
• Clear progression towards Associate level and beyond

The firm’s approach to targets is a particularly attractive part of the opportunity. With an expectation of approximately 3 chargeable hours per day, you’ll have the time to deliver excellent client service without excessive billing pressure.

You’ll also benefit from a supportive leadership team that encourages technical development, specialist interests and long-term progression.

For a Private Client lawyer seeking greater independence, a manageable workload and a genuine work-life balance without compromising on quality, this is an excellent opportunity to build your career within a respected Yorkshire practice.

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

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.