Private Client Solicitor in Dunfermline

Gibson Kerr are seeking a solicitor at legal director or senior associate level for our private client team. The successful candidate will be able to manage their own case load and play an active role in an expanding department. This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to further their career within a supportive environment. An attractive salary and bonus package, commensurate with level of experience, is available.

The successful candidate will have more than 4 years of post-qualification experience. They will:

• have experience of dealing with private client cases, particularly wills, powers of attorney and executries;
• have a strong working knowledge of the relevant law;
• experience in a client facing role;
• have good communication skills;
• always put their clients’ interests foremost;
• ideally be a qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners or be willing to undertake the qualification. Gibson Kerr will fund the STEP course if they are not already STEP members;
• be enthusiastic and personable – able to establish good rapport with clients and with staff.

There are opportunities for advancement for the right person. Our private client team undertake all aspects of private client work including wills, powers of attorney, executries, trusts, estate planning and cost of care advice. We are a small, reputable team, focused on delivering quality legal advice to clients across the spectrum of private client work.

Gibson Kerr is a central Edinburgh legal practice with an established client base, specialising in private client, family law and residential conveyancing and estate agency. The business is a three-partner firm, with nine other qualified solicitors. The private client department comprises four solicitors and five support staff. The team currently operates from our office in Edinburgh’s West End, with our office in Glasgow available for client meetings.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience of private client, particularly wills, powers of attorney and executries
• Qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners or willing to undertake qualification
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Computer Literate – MS Word, Internet, Excel (basic), email, case management systems
• Driving licence

Responsibilities:

• To take up a client facing role in the Private client Department.

Job Purpose:

• To take responsibility for their caseload within the private client department by delivering an accurate, high quality, on time service to clients.

Standard expected:

• Must always abide by the ethical code applicable to Scottish solicitors.
• Must keep all information relating to clients strictly confidential.
• Must not voice criticism of other solicitors/organisations to clients/public.
• Must be aware of restrictions on touting for business.
• Must be dressed and groomed suitably for the job in hand.

Conditions of Employment:

• Working hours will be 8.30am till 5pm, Monday to Friday. More may be required from time to time, on a voluntary basis. Flexible and agile working can be agreed, subject to business needs.
• Five weeks annual leave is given, plus five days’ public holidays: two days at each of Christmas and New Year and one day on Easter Monday.
• Competitive salary depending on experience, with the possibility to earn bonuses.
• Three months’ notice of termination of employment is to be given on either side, though there is a three-month probationary period during which the employer only requires to give one month’s notice. Three months’ notice period applies to the applicant during the probationary period.

Promotion Prospects:

• To take on more responsibilities as the business expands. Opportunity to advance for the right person.

Applicant Profile:

• Enthusiastic and personable – someone with good rapport with clients and staff of other firms.
• Excellent team player.
• Keen to develop new skills and practices and be willing to become involved in all aspects of the private client department.
• Willing to learn new tasks and firm procedures.
• Confident using computer systems and quick to learn new systems and procedures.
• Prepared to take responsibility for the way their actions impact on the performance of the firm and to work with the business to develop a career path within the practice.
• Prepared to perform all aspects of the job conscientiously.
• Must be able to handle a varied workload, work to targets and prioritise tasks as appropriate.
• Will take the initiative where an opportunity arises in relation to getting new business and can go about their business in a confident manner.