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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team handling diverse private client matters and mentor junior lawyers.
- Company: Join a well-established regional law firm known for its strong client care and quality advice.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: This role offers leadership potential and the chance to make a real impact in a growing team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of experience in private client law and strong supervisory skills required.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking a long-term career with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A well-established regional law firm is seeking a Senior Private Client Solicitor, Chartered Legal Executive (FCILEX), or STEP-qualified professional to join its busy and highly regarded Private Client team in Reading.
This is a senior position suited to an experienced practitioner with a strong technical background and proven leadership abilities. The role offers a blend of client-facing work, team supervision, and strategic input, with a clear opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and development of the team and wider firm.
The Role
- Handle a broad caseload of private client matters including wills, trusts, estate administration, inheritance tax planning, elderly client matters, lasting powers of attorney, and Court of Protection work.
- Lead a division within the Private Client department, providing supervision and mentorship to junior lawyers, trainees, and support staff.
- Play a key role in business development and maintaining professional relationships with key contacts such as accountants, financial advisers, and care agencies.
- Work closely with senior leadership to drive departmental growth and commercial strategy.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards (LEXCEL and ISO).
- Contribute to the firm's strong reputation for client care and practical, high-quality advice.
Candidate Profile
Essential:
- A minimum of 5 years' experience handling a full private client caseload independently.
- Experience supervising and supporting junior team members.
- Strong communication and client care skills, with the ability to build long-lasting professional relationships.
- Commercially minded with a proactive, solution-focused approach.
- Well-organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Solid understanding of compliance requirements and quality assurance procedures.
Desirable:
- STEP membership or working towards it.
- Membership of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers.
- Experience in marketing and business development initiatives.
Key Skills & Attributes
- Technical expertise across the full spectrum of private client work.
- Strategic thinker with leadership potential.
- Empathetic, personable, and confident in dealing with a wide range of clients.
- Collaborative team player with excellent mentoring and communication skills.
- Strong IT skills and comfort with case management systems.
This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned private client lawyer to step into a senior role with leadership responsibilities, working in a supportive and progressive environment. Applications are welcomed from candidates looking for a long-term career move with scope for continued development.
Private Client Solicitor 5 PQE - Reading employer: Henderson Scott
Contact Detail:
Henderson Scott Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Client Solicitor 5 PQE - Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who work in private client law. Attend local legal events or seminars in Reading to meet potential colleagues and clients, which can help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in community or professional groups where you can take on mentoring roles. This will demonstrate your ability to supervise and support junior team members, a key requirement for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and developments in private client law, particularly around compliance and quality assurance. Being well-versed in these areas will set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the firm to gain insights into their culture and expectations. This information can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Client Solicitor 5 PQE - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in private client law, particularly your ability to handle a full caseload independently. Emphasise any leadership roles or mentoring experiences you've had, as this is crucial for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills align with the job requirements. Mention your experience in business development and maintaining professional relationships, as well as your understanding of compliance and quality assurance procedures.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Provide specific examples of your work in areas such as wills, trusts, and estate administration. Highlight any successful cases or projects that demonstrate your technical expertise and strategic thinking in private client matters.
Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills: Discuss your experience in supervising and mentoring junior lawyers or trainees. Share instances where you contributed to team growth or improved processes within your department, showcasing your potential as a leader.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Scott
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with a broad range of private client matters. Highlight specific cases you've handled, particularly in areas like wills, trusts, and estate administration, to demonstrate your technical knowledge.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervising junior lawyers, be ready to share examples of how you've mentored or led a team in the past. Discuss your approach to leadership and how you foster a collaborative environment.
✨Emphasise Client Relationship Building
Talk about your ability to build and maintain professional relationships with clients and other stakeholders. Share specific instances where your communication skills have led to successful outcomes.
✨Prepare for Business Development Questions
As business development is key to this role, think about your previous experiences in marketing initiatives or client acquisition. Be ready to discuss strategies you've implemented to grow a practice or enhance client engagement.
