At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise High Net Worth clients on estate planning and wealth structuring.
- Company: Holmes & Hills Solicitors, a leading regional law firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Work with sophisticated clients on complex, rewarding legal matters.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in private client work and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Private Client Solicitor (5+ years PQE) to join our established and growing private client team. Due to an increase in workload and a maternity leave, you will take on an existing case load and further develop the PC offering. This role is unique because you will focus on advising High Net Worth (HNW) individuals, including business owners and farming clients, on complex estate and succession planning matters. You will work closely with a sophisticated client base, providing tailored, strategic advice on the preservation and transfer of wealth, often involving multi‑generational planning and business or agricultural assets. You will need to have good interpersonal skills, be commercially minded and be able to retain and build professional contact relationships. If you are a motivated and technically skilled private client solicitor looking to work with a high‑value client base on complex and rewarding matters, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Advising HNW individuals (typically with estates exceeding £3 million) on estate planning, succession, and wealth structuring
- Drafting complex Wills, including those involving business property, agricultural assets, and sometimes cross‑border considerations
- Confident with trust structures, including discretionary, life interest, and bespoke arrangements
- Providing inheritance tax (IHT) and capital gains tax (CGT) planning advice
- Working with corporate and accountants to help assist business owners on succession planning; therefore having basic knowledge of commercial structures
- Being able to recognise effective estate planning techniques such as alternatives to Trust structures and being aware of Family Investment Companies
- Acting for farming clients, including advice on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR)
- Drafting and advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney including business LPAs
- Managing caseload independently while collaborating with colleagues throughout the firm on complex matters
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships, with a focus on long‑term advisory work for the family
- Retaining and continue to build strong trustworthy reliable relationships with other professionals such as Accountants, Financial Advisors, Surveyors and Wealth Managers
- Provide a slick, quality service for clients and likeminded professionals
- Actively network and market for yourself and the firm
Candidate Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with a minimum of 5 years’ PQE in private client work
- Strong experience advising HNW individuals on estate and tax planning
- Demonstrable expertise in drafting complex Wills and trust documentation
- Solid understanding of IHT, CGT, APR, and BPR
- Experience working with business owners and agricultural clients is highly desirable
- Excellent technical drafting skills and attention to detail is a must
- Strong interpersonal and client relationship management skills
- Ability and drive to continue to build the HNW division
- Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism
- Must possess the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels
- Must be able to communicate key information in a manner which is easily understood
- Self‑motivated, organised with the ability to prioritise and manage own workload
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure
- Proactive and commercially minded
- Team player
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and bonus scheme
- High‑quality HNW client base
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Ongoing professional development and support for further qualifications
- A supportive, relaxed and flexible work environment in an experienced and growing team
- 28 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
- Medicash cash back schemes
- Life Insurance
- EAP and various other physical and mental wellbeing support services including virtual GP access 24/7
- Family friendly policies such as enhanced maternity and paternity pay plus, family events leave
- Company sick pay
- Cycle scheme
About Us
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. Holmes & Hills works in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long standing relationships, protect clients' interests and support clients' growth and development. Working in partnership with businesses and individuals, Holmes & Hills' large team of legal experts work in partnership with individuals and organisations to provide them with truly proactive legal services through personal relationships. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, we take the time to understand clients' needs and objectives before delivering practical advice through a personal and accessible approach. Independently recognised as a leading law firm, Holmes & Hills Solicitors is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners – two independent directories of the UK’s top law firms – as being a leading supplier of legal services in the region. These accreditations give our clients the confidence that the legal advice and representation they receive from Holmes & Hills is some of the best available. Our clients range from established and growing businesses whose brands are recognised and sold around the world and local authorities across the region, through to families and first‑time home buyers.
HNW Private Client Lawyer in Braintree employer: Holmes & Hills Solicitors
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative team environment where experienced Private Client Lawyers can thrive. With a focus on professional development, competitive salaries, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, including flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies, the firm fosters a culture of growth and respect. Located in the picturesque regions of Essex and Suffolk, employees benefit from working with a high-quality HNW client base while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere that prioritises work-life balance.
Contact Detail:
Holmes & Hills Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HNW Private Client Lawyer in Braintree
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those who work with HNW clients. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or clients, share your knowledge on estate planning and tax strategies. This will help you stand out as the go-to person for complex matters.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can add value to their team. Highlight your experience with HNW individuals and your ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented solicitors like you. Make sure to check out our openings and submit your application directly to us for the best chance of landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace HNW Private Client Lawyer in Braintree
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your experience in private client work, especially with HNW individuals. Highlight your skills in estate planning and tax advice, as these are key for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about working with HNW clients. Share specific examples of your past successes in similar roles to show how you can add value to our team.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:Since building relationships is crucial, mention any experiences where you've successfully managed client relationships or collaborated with other professionals. We want to see your people skills shine!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holmes & Hills Solicitors
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of estate planning, succession, and tax implications like IHT and CGT. Be ready to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've successfully advised HNW clients, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex matters.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves working closely with clients, focus on showcasing your interpersonal skills during the interview. Practice active listening and be prepared to share examples of how you've built strong relationships with clients and other professionals in the past.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Highlight your understanding of commercial structures and how they relate to estate planning. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with accountants and financial advisors to provide comprehensive advice to business owners, especially in relation to succession planning.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
As drafting complex Wills and trust documentation is a key part of the role, be prepared to discuss your drafting process. Bring examples of your work if possible, and explain how your attention to detail has benefited your clients in the past.
