Senior Private Client Solicitor

• High-quality HNW work without the city centre pressure or long hours
• Flexible working that actually works, 2 days from home + compressed hours if you want them
• Clear route to Partner, with the autonomy to shape your own specialism

This is aimed at an experienced Private Client Solicitor in West Yorkshire who wants to step into a senior, technical position without sacrificing balance. You’ll be joining a growing team with a strong reputation for complex, high-value work, not volume-driven, high-street files.

From the outset, you’ll take ownership of a varied caseload including HNW estates, trusts and succession planning matters. There’s no long bedding-in period expected, you’ll be trusted to get up and running quickly, handling complex work independently and becoming a key figure in the team.

Over the first 12 months, you’ll naturally move into a senior position within the department, mentoring junior lawyers, acting as a go-to for technical queries, and strengthening relationships with referrers such as IFAs and accountants.

Longer term, this is a role with real influence. You’ll play a central part in shaping the team’s growth, with a clear pathway through to Senior Associate, Legal Director or Partner. For the right person, Partner could be on the table from the outset.

The culture is collaborative and down-to-earth, people here enjoy their work without the intensity often associated with city firms. You’ll be supported, recognised and given the space to build a long-term career.

Who we’re looking for

• 8+ PQE Private Client Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive
• Strong experience handling HNW and complex estates 
• Expertise in trusts, tax planning and succession work
• Able to run a caseload independently with minimal supervision
• Strong client relationship and communication skills
• Collaborative, approachable and commercially aware
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior lawyers (Desired)
• STEP qualified or working towards (Desired)

What you’ll be doing

• Managing a high-quality caseload including HNW estates, trusts and tax planning
• Acting as a technical lead on complex private client matters
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members
• Building and maintaining relationships with IFAs, accountants and referrers
• Contributing to business development and raising the team’s profile
• Playing a key role in the ongoing growth of the department

Salary & Benefits

• Bonus scheme: 10% of billings over target + team bonus
• Hybrid working, up to 2 days from home
• Option to work 5 days across 4 or agree bespoke hours
• Genuine work/life balance with a manageable client load and time to focus
• Clear progression to Senior Associate, Legal Director or Partner
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday off + Christmas closure
• Healthcare scheme and pension
• Free parking
• STEP support and ongoing development
• Regular social events and a genuinely supportive team environment

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood

📩 bill.szajna-hopgood@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 606

If you’re looking for senior-level private client work without the usual trade-offs, Bill can give you a clear view of how this role compares across the Yorkshire market.