Senior Associate / Legal Director – UK Top 50 Law Firm

Salary: Negotiable

Department: Private Client Advisory

Locations: Sevenoaks – Kent

Our client is a UK Top 50 law firm with a heritage spanning 160 years who advise businesses, government, public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: private client advisory, property, corporate services and litigation. The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and services to high-net-worth clients. This position will involve acting for high-net-worth clients, offering guidance on succession planning, trusts, wills, tax planning and estate management. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and growing client relationships, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services and contributing to the strategic direction and success of the firm. This role is based in our client's Sevenoaks Office and has a particular focus on working with their current partners there to establish and expand our presence in the region.

Accountabilities:

• Client Management and Development
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with high-net-worth clients.
  • Provide tailored legal advice on succession planning, tax advice, wills and estate administration.
  • Ensure client needs are met with the highest standard of professionalism and efficiency.
  • Identify opportunities for expanding client relationships and cross-selling additional services.
• Legal Expertise and Advice
  • Stay abreast of the latest developments in the relevant law.
  • Draft and review complex legal documents including wills, trusts and powers of attorney.
  • Advise clients on mitigating tax liabilities and structuring their estates effectively.
• Team Leadership and Management
  • Help lead and mentor a team of junior lawyers fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
  • Provide guidance and training to other team members ensuring continuous professional development.
  • Oversee the workload and performance of the team, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
• Business Development and Strategy
  • Contribute to the development and execution of the firm’s strategic plan, particularly within the Private Client Advisory Team.
  • Participate in networking events, conferences and other business development activities to promote the firm’s services.
  • Develop and implement marketing initiatives to attract new clients and retain existing ones.
  • Monitor and report on market trends, client feedback and competitive activity to inform strategic decisions.
  • Lead efforts to establish and grow the firm’s presence in the Kent region, leveraging local networks and industry contacts.
• Compliance and Risk Management
  • Ensure all activities comply with relevant laws, regulations and professional standards.
  • Manage risks associated with client engagements, including identifying and mitigating potential conflicts of interest.
  • Maintain accurate and up to date client records and documentation in accordance with legal and firm policies.

Key Skills/Experience Needed:

• Qualifications/Experience
  • 6 years’+ PQE gained within a strong regional, national or City firm.
  • Strong academic background.
  • Proven track record of advising high net worth clients in all areas of private client advisory law.
  • A high attention to detail to produce work/documentation which is consistently of a high standard.
  • To have a flexible approach to work to ensure client deadlines are always met and clients are communicated with on a consistent and regular basis.
  • Previous experience in business development and establishing a presence in new markets.
• Skills and Competencies
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
  • Business development acumen with experience in growing a client base and identifying new business opportunities.
  • High level of integrity and professional ethics.
• Personal Attributes
  • Client-focused mindset, with a commitment to delivering excellent service.
  • Proactive and results-oriented with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Adaptable and resilient with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit, with a passion for building and growing a business.

Benefits:

• 30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
• Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
• Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
• Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance – 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid CSR Day
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised gym membership
• Electric car scheme
• Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
• Dress for your Day Policy