Senior Private Client Solicitor
Hot Job
- Only 3 chargeable hours per day — genuine work/life balance, not just marketing spin
- Complex HNW private client work without the pressure and politics of city-centre firms
- Clear route to Senior Associate, Legal Director or Partnership within a growing team
A lot of senior private client lawyers eventually reach the same point: the quality of work is still good, but the pace, pressure and constant billing expectations start to outweigh the enjoyment of the job itself.
This Yorkshire-based opportunity offers a different balance. You’ll still handle complex, high-value private client work — HNW estates, trusts, succession planning and taxable estates — but within an environment that has built its reputation around flexibility, sustainability and genuinely looking after its people.
The immediate need is for someone experienced enough to step straight into a busy caseload and become a senior technical presence within the team. You’ll work closely with established referrers, including IFAs and other law firms, while also supporting trainees and mid-level lawyers as the department continues to grow.
What makes the role particularly attractive is that it offers the quality and complexity of city-centre work without many of the downsides that come with it. There’s far more breathing room built into the structure of the team — fewer client appointments each day, realistic targets and proper flexibility around hybrid working and hours. The expectation isn’t that you’re constantly “on”; it’s that you deliver excellent work sustainably over the long term.
The culture itself is collaborative, approachable and refreshingly down-to-earth. Leadership is highly respected, progression is transparent rather than political, and the firm has developed a strong reputation for retaining good people because they genuinely enjoy working there.
For someone who still wants stimulating, technically strong private client work but in a healthier and more balanced environment, this is a particularly compelling option.
Who we’re looking for
- Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with 8+ years’ PQE in private client law (E)
- Strong experience handling complex and HNW estates (E)
- Excellent technical knowledge across wills, probate, trusts and tax planning (E)
- Experience advising on succession planning and trust matters (E)
- Strong client care and relationship management skills (E)
- Collaborative and supportive approach to mentoring junior colleagues (E)
- STEP qualified or working towards STEP (D)
- Experience from a city-centre or large regional private client team (D)
- Comfortable with networking and relationship-building activity (D)
- Ambitious but values work/life balance and long-term sustainability (E)
What you’ll be doing
- Managing a varied, high-quality private client caseload independently
- Advising on wills, probate, trusts, succession planning and estate administration
- Handling complex HNW and taxable estate matters
- Acting as a senior technical point of contact within the team
- Supporting and mentoring trainees and junior solicitors
- Building relationships with IFAs, accountants and other external referrers
- Supporting business development and the continued growth of the department
- Helping shape the long-term future direction of the team
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary with flexibility for the right senior candidate
- Bonus scheme including 10% of billings above target
- Additional £750 team bonus when departmental targets are achieved
- Only 3 chargeable hours per day target
- Hybrid working with up to 2 days from home
- Flexible start and finish times
- Compressed hours considered
- Genuine work/life balance with manageable client appointment structure
- Clear progression pathway through to Senior Associate, Legal Director or Partner
- Award-winning employer and nationally recognised workplace culture
- 26 days holiday + bank holidays
- Birthday off
- 3 additional Christmas closure days
- Healthcare scheme and pension
- STEP support and ongoing professional development
- Free parking at all offices
- Regular wellbeing and social events
Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood
📩 bill.szajna-hopgood@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 how this role compares to others currently on the market.
Key details
Salary
£55,000 - £65,000
Location
- West Yorkshire
Role type
- Hybrid working
Contract type
- Permanent
Practice area
Private Client
Job ref
V-53545-5
Specialist for Private Client, Court of Protection and Contentious Probate lawyers in Yorkshire.
Ready? Apply for this role now
Not sure if this role is right for you?
Are you unsure whether this job is the right fit for you, and looking for more guidance on similar roles that could suit you better? Feel free to talk to our dedicated consultant, Bill Szajna-Hopgood, with a no-obligation call at a time that's convenient to you.
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