Legal Director, Private Client

We are seeking an experienced Private Client lawyer to support the continued growth and development of a well-established Private Client practice. The team are located nationally, though the need is locally here in Leeds. The successful candidate will manage a varied portfolio of high-value and complex matters, provide technical expertise to clients, and contribute to the leadership, mentoring and development of the wider team. This role offers the opportunity to work with business owners, high-net-worth individuals, trustees and families on a broad range of succession, estate and wealth planning matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of private client matters independently.
• Draft complex and bespoke Wills, including those incorporating trust structures, inheritance tax planning strategies and wealth preservation arrangements.
• Advise on domestic and international estate planning matters.
• Coordinate with overseas legal advisers regarding cross-border succession planning and foreign asset arrangements.
• Support business succession planning alongside colleagues in other specialist practice areas.
• Establish, administer and advise on a variety of trust structures, including trust creation, ongoing management and termination.
• Advise on estate administration matters, including high-value and complex estates involving business interests, investments and overseas assets.
• Advise beneficiaries on succession planning and prepare Deeds of Variation where appropriate.
• Take instructions for and advise clients on Lasting Powers of Attorney and related capacity-planning matters.
• Work closely with colleagues across complementary disciplines to deliver integrated advice to clients.
• Liaise with accountants, tax advisers, investment managers and financial planners to ensure a coordinated approach to client matters.
• Maintain strong client relationships and provide a highly personalised service tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
• Supervise, mentor and support junior lawyers and other team members.
• Delegate work appropriately while maintaining responsibility for quality and client service.
• Assist with the development of technical expertise across the team.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and best practice initiatives.
• Participate actively in networking activities and professional events.
• Build and maintain relationships with referrers and professional contacts.
• Contribute to marketing, profile-raising and business development initiatives, including relevant digital and social media activities.
• Stay informed of legal and regulatory developments through ongoing professional development and industry engagement.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Significant post-qualification experience in Private Client law, including high-value and technically complex matters.
• Experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and business owners.
• A recognised professional qualification relevant to trusts and estates practice (such as STEP) or equivalent expertise.
• Strong technical knowledge of Private Client law and an appreciation of its interaction with related legal disciplines.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to deliver practical, client-focused solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and confidently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build lasting relationships with clients and professional advisers.
• Experience supervising, mentoring and developing junior team members.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines effectively.
• A proactive, self-motivated and collaborative approach to work.
• Strong IT proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and case management systems.