Private Client Solicitor in Thame

Lightfoots Solicitors has been at the heart of the community in Thame for 170 years. With five offices across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Lightfoots is proud of its unrivalled reputation of excellence for all of our services.

We are looking for an excellent Private Client Solicitor who has proven experience in this field to join a busy and well-established team, reporting directly to the Head of Private Client. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years’ PQE and will be proficient in will drafting, dealing with administration of estates and other related matters. Attention to detail is essential. The role will support a wide variety of work within the department. We are looking for someone who is able to use their own initiative but also able to work well within and as part of a team. The role brings with it the possibility of career progression at a forward thinking and progressive firm.

The Private Client Team consists of the department head, solicitors and other fee earners, probate assistants and legal secretaries.

Key Responsibilities

• General day-to-day dealing, advising and liaising with clients on Private Client matters such as preparation of wills, estate planning, trusts, tax issues, powers of attorney, general estate administration and inheritance matters.

• Support department with all incoming instructions.

• Attending client meetings (often at client’s personal home).

• Developing strong relationships with clients and other local professionals.

• Preparation and drafting of documents and other correspondence.

• Handling client billing and ensuring all billing is accurate and timely.

• Using a case management system on a day-to-day basis.

• Engage in promoting the firm by attending marketing events, raising the Firm’s profile through social media channels and help in identifying client prospects.

What We’re Looking For

• 8 years PQE.

• Previous experience of advising high-net worth individuals with estate planning and will preparation is essential.

• Previous experience of, or willingness to learn, how to make the most of Agricultural and Business reliefs to include estate planning and estate administration desirable.

• The administration of estates, to include taxable estates.

• Preparation of Powers of Attorney essential. Experience of Deputyship and associated Court of Protection affairs desirable.

• Experience of trust creation and administration desirable.

• A keen eye for detail with good technical drafting ability.

• Desire to get involved in the marketing, business development and promotion of the Private Client department and the wider firm.

• Must be able to communicate effectively and professionally.

• Fully competent in MS Word and willingness to use case management systems.

• STEP and Association of Lifetime Lawyers membership is not essential but would be an advantage.

Please note, this list is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be subject to change based on the needs of the Firm.

At Lightfoots, we welcome applications even if you do not meet every requirement. If this opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, we would love to hear from you.

Why join Lightfoots Solicitors?

At Lightfoots, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to offer a supportive, inclusive workplace where you can grow, thrive, and build a rewarding career.

We believe that great work starts with feeling valued, so we provide a wide range of benefits to support your health, wellbeing, family life, and professional development.

What we offer

Reward and recognition

• Competitive salary

• Your birthday off

• Enhanced annual leave, plus bank holidays

• Enhanced pension scheme

Health and wellbeing

• BUPA Private Medical Insurance

• Healthcare cash plan for everyday medical expenses for you and your dependants

• Access to a 24/7 GP service

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Company sick pay

• Free flu vaccinations

• Discounted gym memberships

• Wellbeing and awareness events throughout the year

• Qualified Mental Health First Aiders across the firm for confidential support

Support for you and your family

• The option to use your paid sickness entitlement if a dependant is unwell and needs your care

• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave

• A range of family-friendly policies

• Generous discounts on legal services

Career development

• Significant learning and development opportunities

• Structured appraisal process

• Sponsored training and qualifications

• Networking opportunities

• Access to thousands of webinars and training activities

A sense of belonging

• Opportunities to get involved in our Charity, Wellbeing, and ESG Committees

• Firm-wide social events throughout the year, including informal socials, quiz nights, book club, and more

Please apply here Current Vacancies - Lightfoots solicitors or contact our recruitment team for an informal conversation.

As a Disability Confident employer, we promote diversity and provide equal opportunities for all individuals. We prioritise inclusivity and ensure we have a supportive and accessible workplace for those with disabilities. If you require any adjustments to be able to attend an interview, please do let us know.

Recruitment decisions are made on fair and objective criteria.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected, you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found at Fair Processing Notices for Cifas