Private Client Solicitor

Private Client SolicitorJob Title: Private Client Solicitor Location: Chelmsford, Essex Department: Private Client Reports To: Head of Private Client / Partner Salary: Competitive, dependent upon experience Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and client-focused Private Client Solicitor to join our established and growing Private Client team in Chelmsford. This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor who is passionate about delivering high-quality legal advice and building long-term relationships with clients. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of private client matters, providing sensitive, practical, and commercially aware advice to individuals, families, business owners, and high-net-worth clients. Key Responsibilities • Manage a broad caseload of private client matters from instruction through to completion. • Advise clients on: • Wills and estate planning. • Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). • Estate administration and probate. • Trust creation, administration, and taxation. • Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning. • Court of Protection applications. • Elderly client matters. • Succession planning for family businesses and agricultural estates. • Draft and review legal documentation including wills, trusts, declarations, deeds, and powers of attorney. • Administer estates, including obtaining Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration. • Liaise with executors, beneficiaries, accountants, financial advisers, HMRC, and other professional advisers. • Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with regulatory and risk management procedures. • Deliver exceptional levels of client care and build strong, lasting client relationships. • Identify opportunities for cross-referrals within the firm. • Participate in networking, marketing, and business development activities. • Support and mentor junior members of the team where appropriate. Candidate RequirementsEssential • Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales. • Minimum 3 years' PQE in Private Client law (flexible depending on experience). • Proven experience handling a broad range of private client matters independently. • Strong knowledge of: • Wills and estate planning. • Probate and estate administration. • Trusts and taxation. • Lasting Powers of Attorney. • Excellent drafting and technical skills. • Strong client care and interpersonal skills. • Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise effectively. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • High level of attention to detail and organisational ability. Desirable • STEP qualification or working towards STEP accreditation. • Experience advising high-net-worth individuals and business owners. • Knowledge of agricultural and rural estate succession planning. • Existing professional contacts or business development experience. • Experience supervising trainees, paralegals, or junior solicitors. Personal Attributes • Empathetic and approachable manner. • Professional and discreet when dealing with sensitive matters. • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. • Ability to build trust and confidence with clients. • Commercially aware and proactive. • Collaborative team player with a positive attitude. • Strong commitment to delivering excellent client service. Benefits • Competitive salary and performance-related bonus. • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements. • Pension scheme. • Private healthcare (subject to eligibility). • Generous annual leave entitlement. • Ongoing professional development and support for further qualifications, including STEP. • Career progression opportunities. • Modern office environment in Chelmsford. • Supportive and collaborative culture. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Achievement of individual fee income and billing targets. • Client satisfaction and retention levels. • Timely progression of matters. • Compliance with regulatory and risk management standards. • Contribution to business development and networking activities. • Positive contribution to team development and mentoring. Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate will be a technically strong and personable Private Client Solicitor who enjoys building long-term client relationships and delivering trusted advice across all aspects of private client law. They will be confident managing matters independently while contributing to the continued growth and reputation of the firm's Chelmsford office.