At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse Private Client caseload and build trusted client relationships.
- Company: Well-regarded firm in Harrow with a strong local reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on quality work and long-term client relationships.
- Why this job: Clear pathway to Head of Department and opportunity to shape the team’s future.
- Qualifications: 5+ years’ PQE as a Private Client Solicitor with strong technical skills.
Salary: £70,000–£90,000 + Bonus
Location: Harrow (Hybrid)
Step into a senior Private Client role with a clear route to leading the department, in a stable, well-regarded firm with a strong local reputation and quality work.
The opportunity:
If you’re a Private Client solicitor who enjoys building trusted client relationships and wants more than “just another caseload”, this is a rare chance to join our client in the Harrow area at Senior Associate level, with genuine scope to progress into a Head of Department position. You’ll take on a varied, high-quality Private Client workload, with the autonomy to shape how the team operates, develop junior colleagues, and play a visible role in the department’s growth.
The role: what you’ll be doing:
- You’ll manage a broad Private Client caseload, with a focus on high standards of client care and technical accuracy, including:
- Wills (including complex wills)
- Probate and estate administration
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
- Trusts and trust administration
- Inheritance Tax (IHT) and estate planning
- Advising a loyal client base including HNW elements (where applicable)
Progression: why this role is different:
This isn’t a “title-only” Senior Associate position. The firm is open to the right person stepping into a department leadership pathway, including:
- Clear route to Head of Private Client (for the right hire)
- Opportunity to mentor and develop junior fee earners
- Input into process improvement, precedents and client journey
- Scope to support business development in a way that feels natural and relationship-led
Requirements:
To be considered, you should have:
- 5+ years’ PQE as a Private Client Solicitor (or equivalent experience)
- UK practice experience handling Private Client matters end-to-end
- Strong technical grounding across wills, probate, LPAs, trusts and IHT planning
- Confidence running files with minimal supervision and delivering excellent client care
- A collaborative approach and interest in supporting team development
Desirable (not essential):
- STEP qualification (or working towards STEP)
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or informally leading others
- Exposure to HNW clients, complex estates, or trust work
Location & working arrangement:
Harrow area (North West London) Hybrid working available (details to be confirmed based on team needs and seniority) Full-time preferred, with flexibility discussed for the right person.
Salary & benefits:
Salary: £70,000–£90,000 (depending on PQE, technical strength and leadership potential) Bonus (where applicable) Hybrid working Generous annual leave (plus bank holidays) Pension scheme Support for professional development (including STEP support where relevant) Clear progression framework and the chance to shape a growing department A firm culture that values quality, stability and long-term client relationships.
Apply / enquire (confidential):
If you’re interested, send your CV or a brief note outlining your current situation to: David Hawthorne-Finch d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
If you’d prefer, you can also reach out for a confidential chat first. I’m happy to talk through the firm, the work, and the progression route before you commit to an application.
Confidentiality statement: All applications and enquiries will be handled in strict confidence.
Senior Associate – Private Client employer: Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Join a highly respected independent accountancy practice in Leeds, where your ambition and expertise as an ACA or ACCA qualified accountant will be valued. With a strong focus on career progression, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to mentor junior team members, this role offers a fulfilling opportunity to build lasting client relationships while contributing to the firm's growth.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate – Private Client
✨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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Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
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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 Senior Associate – Private Client
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions, 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 Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions and the specific role of Senior Associate – 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 Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
✨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 Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions.
✨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 Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions.
