Senior Associate - Private Wealth in Cambridge

At Greenwoods, we are proud to be different. We combine serious legal capability with a culture built on respect, excellence, freedom, and fun. We are commercially ambitious and growing but we have not lost sight of what matters. Great people doing great work for clients, and being themselves while they do it.

We are building a firm that sounds like people, not an institution. Our approach is grounded in commercial acumen and real commitment to our clients and to each other.

About the role

This is a great opportunity for an experienced private client lawyer to take on real responsibility in a growing team in Cambridge.

As a Senior Associate in our Private Wealth team, you will run a varied mix of matters, including complex Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), probate, estate administration, and trusts. You will also give specialist advice on inheritance tax, tax planning, and trust and estate management, with our partners supporting you as you keep developing.

Our clients include individuals, families, trustees, landowners, and business owners, many with assets in the UK and abroad. Many of the decisions we help them with are among the most important they will ever make, so we take the time to understand what each client wants and what worries them.

This is a hands-on role. You will work independently on a wide range of client work, help grow our client base and referral network, and supervise junior lawyers and paralegals.

You will work closely with the partners and the wider Private Wealth team, and with colleagues across our London, Cambridge, and Peterborough offices.

Key responsibilities

• Run your own caseload of complex Wills, LPAs, probate, estate administration, and trust matters, working independently and efficiently.
• Advise clients on inheritance tax, tax planning, and trust and estate management, including clients with assets abroad.
• Draft Wills, LPAs, trust documents, and estate paperwork accurately, and review the work of junior colleagues.
• Keep clients updated in plain English, so they always know where their matter stands.

Risk and compliance

• Keep your files organised and up to date, in line with the firm's risk and compliance procedures, including client due diligence and anti-money laundering checks.
• Record your time accurately and prepare bills on your matters.
• Build relationships with clients and referrers and grow the team's client base and referral network.
• Attend networking and client events and contribute to client updates and seminars.

Team

• Supervise and support junior lawyers and paralegals and help them develop.
• Work closely with partners, colleagues, and support staff across our three offices, as part of our 'one team' culture.
• Other ad hoc work as needed.

What success looks like

This role is measured on high-quality, well-run client work, a growing practice, and the development of the people you supervise. Key success measures include:

• Clients get clear, accurate advice and regular updates, and feel well looked after.
• Matters progress on time, with files and compliance records kept up to date.
• You run your caseload independently, bringing in the partners when it adds value.
• You build steady relationships with clients and referrers and bring in new work.
• The junior lawyers and paralegals you supervise grow in confidence and skill.

Experience and qualities

This role suits an experienced private client lawyer who is ready to own their work and help build the team.

You will be someone who:

• Is a qualified solicitor with at least five years' PQE.
• STEP qualified is desirable but not essential
• Has good experience of complex Wills, probate, LPAs, and trusts or estate work, gained in a private client or wealth preservation team at a reputable firm.
• Is self-motivated and well organised, and able to prioritise a busy caseload, meet deadlines, and stay calm under pressure.
• Has great attention to detail, with excellent drafting and communication skills.
• Enjoys building good working relationships with colleagues across our three offices.
• Wants to develop their business development skills, including attending events and meeting clients.
• Has a strong belief in delivering excellent client service.