At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle wills, trusts, and probate matters while advising clients on legal issues.
- Company: Berry & Lamberts, a growing firm with a collaborative atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private healthcare, and bonus opportunities.
- Other info: Participate in social events and charity activities while developing your career.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real difference in clients' lives.
- Qualifications: 4-6 years' PQE with trust experience and strong communication skills.
About the Firm
Berry & Lamberts is a three-office firm of solicitors based in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Paddock Wood. The firm provides private client, commercial property, litigation, family, residential property and company commercial services to individuals and businesses across West Kent, East Sussex and beyond. As the firm continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor to join our expanding private client team.
Role Overview
The role will involve handling wills, LPAs, probate matters and trusts.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting interviews with clients at any of the firm’s offices or at the client’s premises.
- Assessing legal problems.
- Advising clients on the likely cost of the legal advice they require and ensuring that adequate funding is in place.
- Conducting legal research.
- Drafting papers including, but not limited to; wills, trusts, applications for grants of probate, letters of administration, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications
- Meeting deadlines for the submission of probate and tax papers, and responding to clients and other parties.
- Maintaining client confidentiality
- Ensuring that adequate funds are held on account to cover solicitors’ costs.
- Preparing regular invoices for clients.
Compliance
- Ensuring that cases are handled in accordance with the departmental manual and the professional rules governing your conduct, including, without limitation, the SRA Regulations.
- Understanding and correctly applying the law and practice relating to Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, and following firm and departmental guidance.
- Maintaining files to the required ISO 9001 standard and the Department's standard format.
- Ensuring that you comply with all relevant firm policies including but not limited to those on Client Care, Undertakings and Key Dates.
- Participating in team meetings.
- Attending internal and external courses.
- Keeping up to date with law and practice, and developing knowledge in specialist and technical areas.
Business Development and Role Requirements
- Contributing to marketing and business development activity.
- Assisting with the development and progression of the department and the firm.
- Meeting the financial billing target set by the Head of Department for the role.
- Ideally STEP qualified or working towards the accreditation.
Person Specification
Essential
- 4–6 years’+ PQE, ideally with trust experience.
- Strong working knowledge of practice management software commonly used in law firms (e.g. Actionstep, Advanced Legal).
- Excellent attention to detail, particularly given the compliance-critical nature of client account work.
- Confident communicator, comfortable communicating with clients and third parties.
- Willingness and ability to work across all office locations as required.
What the Firm Offers
- Competitive salary.
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.; Friday, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
- Auto-enrolment pension scheme.
- Discretionary Bonus Scheme if targets are exceeded
- 25 days’ holiday per year, plus bank holidays and additional time off at Christmas.
- Birthday off work.
- Private healthcare.
- Death in service cover.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Local shop discount card, currently the TN card.
- Social events.
- Charity events.
Solicitor - Private Client in Sevenoaks employer: BERRY & LAMBERTS
Join our dynamic and supportive team as a Solicitor in the Commercial Property Department, where you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values your expertise and encourages professional growth. With competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong focus on employee well-being, including private health care and generous holiday allowances, we are committed to creating a rewarding workplace that fosters both personal and career development. Our firm not only prioritises your success but also actively engages in community initiatives, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Private Client in Sevenoaks
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Private Client in Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at BERRY & LAMBERTS, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in BERRY & LAMBERTS and the specific role of Solicitor - Private Client. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for BERRY & LAMBERTS’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at BERRY & LAMBERTS
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at BERRY & LAMBERTS.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at BERRY & LAMBERTS.
