At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse private client caseload and provide clear, sensitive legal advice.
- Company: Join a modern, innovative law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, performance bonuses, and 22 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and direct client contact from day one.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while embracing technology.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in private client work and strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 70000 € per year.
Jonathan Lea Network (JLN) is seeking a technically strong and client-focused Private Client Solicitor to join our growing team. This is an excellent opportunity to develop and expand a high-quality private client practice within a modern, entrepreneurial firm that values initiative, collaboration and commercial thinking, without unnecessary hierarchy or rigidity.
You will advise individuals, families and business owners on a broad range of private client matters, delivering clear, pragmatic and commercially aware advice.
About JLN: JLN is a modern, forward-thinking, full-service law firm based in Mid-Sussex, advising clients across England and Wales and internationally. We are known for combining strong technical expertise with a personable, pragmatic approach to client service. We are committed to high-quality legal work within a collaborative, supportive and open working environment, supported by a strong team culture and active social side.
Our values are central to how we operate:
- Responsive and client-centred
- Expertly insightful
- Personable and collaborative
- Innovative and technology-enabled
You will manage your own private client caseload, acting as the main point of contact for clients and delivering sensitive, clear and technically accurate advice.
Experience in some, or all of the following areas:
- Wills and estate planning
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Probate and estate administration
- Trust creation and administration
- Inheritance tax planning
- Deputyship applications
- Court of Protection matters
- Advising high-net-worth individuals and business owners
You will have autonomy from day one, supported by a mixed-level team and our wider network of consultant solicitors where specialist input is required. This role presents an opportunity to help grow and shape the firm’s private client offering.
Key Responsibilities as Private Client Solicitor Include:
- Managing a varied private client caseload
- Advising clients with sensitivity, clarity and commercial awareness
- Drafting wills, trusts and estate planning documentation
- Conducting probate and estate administration matters
- Providing tax-aware succession planning advice
- Taking introductory calls and converting new enquiries
- Engaging with AI and legal technology embedded in JLN’s working practices
- Contributing to marketing, networking and business development initiatives
The Ideal Candidate
You will be:
- A qualified solicitor with experience in private client work
- Technically strong and detail-oriented
- Comfortable managing files independently
- Client-focused and empathetic
- Commercially aware
- Organised, responsive and pragmatic
- Open to innovation and comfortable working in a tech-enabled environment
- Someone who enjoys contributing positively to team culture
STEP qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.
Why Join JLN?
This role offers high-quality work without the constraints of a traditional firm structure. You will benefit from:
- Hybrid working with genuine flexibility
- A firm that embraces AI and modern ways of working
- Direct client contact and autonomy
- Regular team events and a friendly, inclusive culture
- 22 days’ annual leave (rising to 25 days with service)
- Salary sacrifice options
- Performance bonus: 20% of billings above £180,000 per annum
- Commission: 15% of any work introduced to the firm
Location
This role is best suited to candidates based in Surrey, Sussex or Kent, with flexibility to attend our Haywards Heath office where appropriate. However, we are open to considering strong candidates from further afield who wish to work on a fully remote basis.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply, please send your CV and covering letter to:
Private Client Solicitor employer: Jonathanlea
Jonathan Lea Network (JLN) is an exceptional employer that fosters a modern and collaborative work environment, offering Private Client Solicitors the opportunity to thrive with genuine flexibility through hybrid or fully remote working options. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, autonomy, and innovative practices, JLN supports its employees in delivering high-quality legal services while enjoying a friendly culture and regular team events. The firm’s commitment to client-focused service and technological advancement makes it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the legal sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Client Solicitor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Private Client Solicitor role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your online presence sorted! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your skills in private client work. Engage with relevant content and connect with firms like JLN to show you’re serious about joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get that all-important interview, be ready to discuss your experience with wills, estate planning, and client management. Show them how your skills align with their values of being client-centred and commercially aware.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people at JLN. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of their innovative and tech-enabled environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Client Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in private client work and how it aligns with our values at JLN. Be personable and show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect your skills and experiences that are relevant to the Private Client Solicitor role. We want to see how your background makes you a great match for what we do.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we value technical expertise, make sure to include specific examples of your work in areas like wills, estate planning, and probate. This will help us see your capabilities right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathanlea
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of private client matters, especially in areas like wills, estate planning, and probate. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're technically strong and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Client Focus
Prepare examples of how you've provided sensitive and clear advice to clients in the past. Highlighting your client-focused approach will resonate well with the firm's values and demonstrate that you understand the importance of empathy in this role.
✨Be Ready for Tech Talk
Since JLN embraces AI and modern working practices, be prepared to discuss your experience with legal technology. If you’ve used any specific tools or software in your previous roles, mention them and how they improved your efficiency or client service.
✨Engage with Their Culture
Research JLN’s team culture and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute positively to their collaborative environment. Showing that you align with their ethos will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their team.
