At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex private client cases and develop team processes while building client relationships.
- Company: Established law firm with a strong regional reputation and loyal clientele.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 28 days holiday, enhanced pension, and bonuses.
- Other info: Mentoring and clear pathway to leadership with regular performance appraisals.
- Why this job: Grow into a leadership role and shape the future of a respected firm.
- Qualifications: 7-8 years PQE in private client work with strong technical and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is not a conventional senior associate role. We are a well-established firm with a strong regional reputation and a loyal, high-quality client base. We are looking for an exceptional solicitor who wants more than a senior fee-earning position — someone who is ready to grow into a leadership role and, in time, help shape the future of this firm. If you have the technical depth, the commercial instinct, and the ambition to build something, we want to hear from you.
The Opportunity
Joining as a Senior Associate, you will take on responsibility for a broad and complex private client caseload while playing an active role in the development of the team. From day one you will be supported to develop the skills, relationships, and profile that will position you for a leadership role. This is a firm where your contribution is visible and valued. You will work closely with the senior leadership team, have real input into how the department is run, and be given the space to build your own client relationships and professional reputation. We have offices in Hemel Hempstead and Harpenden. There will be travel required between each office.
What we offer
- £70,000 - £80,000 salary per year depending on experience
- Hybrid working
- 28 days holiday + bank holidays
- Enhanced pension
- Cash health plan
- Bonus
What You Will Be Doing
Technical Practice
- Managing a complex caseload of wills, trusts, probate and estate administration matters with minimal supervision
- Advising high-net-worth individuals and families on estate planning, inheritance tax, and wealth protection strategies
- Advising on lasting powers of attorney
- Handling cross-border estate and international private client matters where relevant
- Providing technically rigorous, commercially aware advice that clients trust and return for
Team & Leadership
- Contributing to the management and organisation of the department
- Supporting the development of team processes, precedents, and know-how
- In time, taking on increased responsibility for team leadership and department management
Business Development & Client Relationships
- Building and maintaining your own portfolio of client relationships
- Identifying opportunities to develop new work from existing clients
- Representing the firm at external events, seminars and networking opportunities
- Contributing to thought leadership — articles, guides, client communications
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the firm on cross-referral opportunities
About You
We are looking for someone who is — or is clearly becoming — strong across two distinct dimensions: technical excellence and the ability to lead. The ideal candidate will bring:
Technical Expertise
- 7–8 years PQE with a strong private client focus throughout
- Deep expertise in wills, probate, estate administration, trusts, and lifetime planning
- Solid grounding in inheritance tax planning and trust structures
- STEP qualification (or working towards) preferred but not essential.
- Experience handling complex, high-value estates and sophisticated clients
Leadership & Commercial Awareness
- Some experience of supervising or mentoring more junior colleagues
- An interest in — and aptitude for — the business of law, not just the practice of it
- Commercial awareness: an understanding of billing, profitability, and client management
- Strong communication and client care skills, with the ability to build lasting relationships
- The ambition to grow into a senior leadership position and the self-awareness to know what that requires
Your Development & The Path Forward
We are committed to investing in your development across both pillars of this role. You will have access to:
- Mentoring from managing associates with significant years of private client and business development experience
- A clear, transparent pathway to a leadership position
- Support for further professional qualifications including STEP
- Regular appraisals that assess both your technical performance and your leadership development — not just your billing
We do not promote people into leadership because they are technically excellent. We promote people who are technically excellent and who have demonstrated the appetite and ability to lead.
Senior Associate Solicitor - Private Client in Watford employer: Hepburn Delaney Ltd
Join a well-established firm in Hemel Hempstead and Harpenden that values your contributions and offers a clear pathway to leadership. With a strong commitment to employee development, hybrid working options, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to manage a diverse private client caseload while building meaningful client relationships. Enjoy competitive benefits including a generous salary, enhanced pension, and a cash health plan, all within a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate Solicitor - Private Client in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, seminars, and local meet-ups to connect with potential employers and colleagues. Remember, it’s all about building relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a personal brand by sharing your insights on social media or writing articles related to private client law. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to current employees or alumni from the firm. Ask them about their experiences and get insider tips on what the firm values in candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to our future.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate Solicitor - Private Client in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Unique Value:When writing your application, make sure to highlight what makes you stand out. We want to see your technical expertise and leadership potential, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements and how they align with our vision.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Take the time to tailor your application to our specific role. Mention your experience with private clients and how you can contribute to our team’s growth and success.
Be Authentic:We appreciate authenticity! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for private client work and your ambition to take on a leadership role within our firm.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures it lands in the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hepburn Delaney Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to wills, trusts, and estate planning. Be prepared to discuss complex cases you've handled and how you approached them. This role demands a solid understanding of private client matters, so show them you’ve got the expertise.
✨Show Your Leadership Potential
Think about examples where you've taken the lead or mentored others. This firm is looking for someone who can grow into a leadership role, so highlight your experience in managing teams or projects. They want to see that you’re not just a fee-earner but someone ready to shape the future.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you understand the business side of law. Talk about your experience with billing, profitability, and client management. This firm values candidates who can think commercially, so show them you can balance technical skills with business acumen.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the firm’s culture and their vision for the future. This role involves developing client relationships, so demonstrating your interpersonal skills will be key to making a great impression.
