Experienced Trusts Lawyer - Stamford, Lincolnshire

We are a leading "Top 200" law firm and provider of wealth management services based in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. Established in 1856, we are considered to be one of the oldest law firms in the UK. The firm has one of the largest private client teams in the region.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Trusts lawyer to join our busy Trusts team based at our Stamford office. We would expect the successful candidate to either be already specialising in this area, or be an experienced private client lawyer with experience of Trusts, looking to specialise in this area.

You will be a confident, proactive and structured individual, who will work closely with the Head of Trusts and another Partner in the team, both of whom are based at the Stamford Office, assisting and supporting with a range of matters to include, but not limited to, the following:

• Providing advice to clients and colleagues in relation to the creation, administration and termination of new and existing Trusts.
• General Trust administration including:

• The preparation of various Deeds and documents.
• Trust tax returns and accounts.
• Using HMRC's Trust Registration Service.
• Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax planning.
• Advising in relation to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief.
• Declarations of Trust.
• Collaboration with other departments and outside advisers in relation to Trust matters.

• Advising on Wills, primarily those utilising Trusts to assist with more complex family situations.
• Administration of taxable and non-taxable estates.

Benefits

• Generous holiday entitlements
• Staff discount on legal and wealth management fees
• Income protection
• Life Assurance at 3 x salary
• Salary exchange pension scheme option
• Employee assistance programme

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• To provide an ongoing service to existing clients.
• To work with partners and other fee earners to develop new business.
• To develop and enhance the Private Client and Trusts Departments, maximising cross referrals across all offices and areas of the business.
• To produce fee income in line with targets and agreed objectives.
• To keep informed of all changes in the law and practice in own area of work.
• Maintain and enhance up to date legal skills.
• Financial control with particular regard to cash flow control through collection of monies on account and billing procedures.
• Maintaining accurate daily records of time spent on client and internal work.
• Perform fee earning work accurately, reliably and in accordance with the company's quality and risk procedures.

Hours of Work: 09.00 – 17.15 hrs – Monday to Friday (36.25 hours per week).

Location: Stamford

Salary: Depending on Experience

Person Specification

• Qualifications: Solicitor or Legal Executive. Experienced in Tax and Trust matters. STEP Diploma, or a willingness to study for this.
• Knowledge: A passionate interest in Tax and Trust work. Good computer literacy, including knowledge of case management systems. Up to date knowledge of product, technical and legislative changes in market place. Clear understanding on Money Laundering Regulations and Solicitors Account Rules. Previous experience of SOS Connect.
• Skills: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Excellent listening and questioning skills. High level of attention to detail. Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. Strong planning and organisational skills. Confident in front of clients. Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines and to work in an efficient manner. Ability to communicate technical issues to a non-specialist audience. Excellent written and numeracy skills. Proactive and tactful. Marketing and business development skills.
• Attributes: Willing to be flexible with the demands of the company. Desire to provide a high-quality service. High level of integrity and empathy. Hardworking, proactive and positive attitude.

Chattertons recognises that it is essential to provide equal opportunities to all persons without discrimination. The firm has an Equality and Diversity Policy and this sets out the firm's position on equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. This is available upon request.