At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse caseload in private client law, providing expert legal advice.
- Company: Berrys Solicitors, a family-run firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Starting salary from £40,000, pension, training funding, and career progression.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real difference in clients' lives.
- Qualifications: 4+ years PQE in private client law and strong client relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
- Job Type: Full-time (Part-time considered for the right candidate)
- Office Based
- About Berrys Solicitors
Berrys Solicitors is a growing, family-run law firm with offices in Blackpool and Lancaster, serving clients throughout Lancashire and the surrounding areas.
We have built an excellent reputation for delivering practical, professional and client-focused legal advice across a broad range of private client matters, including:
- Wills and Estate Planning
- Probate and Estate Administration
- Trusts
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Court of Protection
- Deputyship Applications
- Statutory Wills
- Inheritance Act Claims
- Contested Wills and Estate Disputes
- Residential Property
As part of our continuing growth, we are seeking an enthusiastic and technically strong Private Client Solicitor to join our expanding team.
Why Join Us?
- Established and respected law firm with offices in Blackpool and Lancaster
- Growing Private Client Department with strong referral streams
- High-quality and varied caseload
- Genuine autonomy and responsibility
- Friendly and supportive team environment
- Opportunity to develop specialist interests
- Direct client contact and significant file ownership
- Career progression opportunities within a growing practice
The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Private Client Solicitor looking to develop their career within a busy and expanding department.
You will manage your own varied caseload whilst working closely with the firm's Solicitors and other fee earners.
The successful candidate will be expected to handle matters including
- Wills and Estate Planning
- Probate and Estate Administration
- Trusts
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Court of Protection matters
- Deputyship Applications
- Statutory Wills
- Inheritance Tax Planning
- Inheritance Act Claims
- Contested Wills and Estate Disputes
The role may also involve residential property matters where experience permits, although this is not essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing and progressing your own caseload from instruction to conclusion.
- Providing technical legal advice to clients across a broad range of private client matters.
- Drafting Wills, Trusts, LPAs and associated documentation.
- Administering estates and advising executors, trustees and beneficiaries.
- Handling Court of Protection applications and deputyship matters.
- Managing contentious probate and inheritance disputes.
- Attending court hearings, mediations and conferences where required.
- Maintaining excellent standards of client care and communication.
- Recording time accurately and achieving agreed billing targets.
- Developing and maintaining professional relationships with clients and introducers.
- Supporting and assisting other fee earners when required.
- Supervising and training junior staff and paralegals where appropriate.
- Ensuring compliance with SRA, AML and GDPR requirements.
- Candidate Requirements Essential
- Ideally 4+ years PQE (although strong candidates with different levels of experience will be considered).
- Strong technical knowledge across private client law.
- Demonstrable experience of independently managing a full and varied private client caseload from instruction through to conclusion.
- Proven fee-earning experience with responsibility for billing, time recording and achieving financial targets.
- Experience of client-facing work and maintaining long-term client relationships.14
- Experience handling your own caseload with minimal supervision.
- Experience dealing with Probate and Estate Administration matters.
- Experience drafting Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
- Excellent communication and client care skills.
- Strong organisational and time management abilities.
- Commercial awareness and a proactive approach.
- Highly Desirable but not essential
- Experience dealing with Court of Protection matters.
- Experience dealing with Trusts and Estate Planning matters.
- Experience dealing with contentious probate and inheritance dispute matters independently.
- STEP qualification or working towards STEP.
- Experience supervising and training junior staff.
- Experience in Residential Property matters.
- Other Requirements
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle (preferred).
- Ability to attend both Lancaster and Blackpool offices where required.
- Willingness to attend client home visits, hospitals, care homes and other locations when necessary.
- Competitive salary (From £40,000 DOE)
- Company pension
- Funding for relevant training and qualifications (subject to agreement)
- Supportive and friendly working environment
- Opportunities for progression within a growing firm
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Private Client Solicitor employer: Berrys Solicitors
Berrys Solicitors is an excellent employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture in the heart of Blackpool and Lancaster. With a focus on professional growth, the firm offers competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements, ensuring that team members can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Client Solicitor
✨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.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Berrys Solicitors, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Client Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Berrys Solicitors, 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 Berrys Solicitors and the specific role of Private Client Solicitor. 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 Berrys Solicitors’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berrys Solicitors
✨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 Berrys Solicitors.
✨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 Berrys Solicitors.
