Associate Private Client Solicitor in Watford

We are seeking an Associate Private Client Solicitor to join our dedicated team in Hertford. The successful candidate will manage a mixed-complexity private client caseload, providing expert legal advice and client-focused services in areas such as wills, estate administration, lasting powers of attorney (LPAs), trusts and probate. This role involves acting for individual clients and executors through all stages of private client matters, from initial advice and documentation through to estate administration and trust management. You will be expected to provide pragmatic, commercially aware advice, maintain excellent client care and ensure matters are progressed efficiently and in compliance with regulatory and firm requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a varied private client caseload including drafting and advising on wills, estate planning, administration of estates and probate, LPAs, registration of LPAs, trust creation and administration, deed drafting and related documents, ensuring matters progress to agreed timetables and clients receive clear, practical advice.
• Undertake client care and AML procedures at intake; open, maintain and close files ensuring matter records are audit-ready and compliant with firm policies and SRA regulatory requirements.
• Prepare, review and execute legal documents including wills, codicils, powers of attorney, trust deeds, grant of probate applications, HMRC forms and estate accounts; ensure high standards of accuracy and detail in drafting.
• Act for executors and administrators in estate administration including obtaining grants of probate, collecting and realising assets, dealing with liabilities, preparing estate accounts and distributing residue in accordance with wills or intestacy rules.
• Provide tailored advice on tax planning, IHT mitigation and trust structures, liaising with tax advisers and other professionals where necessary to deliver commercially focused client solutions.
• Liaise with clients, family members, financial institutions, trustees, third party professionals and HMRC to obtain information, resolve issues and progress matters; manage client expectations with clear, timely communication.
• Handle more complex private client matters and contested probate or trust disputes where appropriate, identifying when to instruct or liaise with the dispute resolution team and advising clients on risks and options.
• Supervise and mentor junior fee-earners and paralegals; delegate tasks appropriately, review work for accuracy and compliance and contribute to the team’s development through coaching and feedback.
• Prepare cost estimates, manage matter budgets, record time accurately and assist with billing to support commercial performance of the department.
• Use and maintain case management systems, precedents and document templates; contribute to process improvements, knowledge sharing and the development of standard working practices to enhance efficiency.

Key skills and experience required

• Qualified solicitor with approximately 5-10 years PQE in private client services or a comparable background in a law firm or private client department; experience managing a private client caseload is essential.
• Proven experience drafting wills, LPAs, trust deeds, probate applications and estate accounts; accuracy and attention to detail in document preparation are essential.
• Practical knowledge of probate procedure, intestacy rules, trusts law, powers of attorney and relevant tax considerations including IHT; ability to identify tax planning opportunities and liaise effectively with tax advisers.
• Strong client-care and communication skills with the ability to manage sensitive matters, explain complex legal and tax issues clearly and maintain professional relationships with clients and third parties.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise competing deadlines and work independently while escalating issues appropriately.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff and a commitment to supporting colleagues’ development through coaching and constructive feedback.
• Proficiency with case management systems, document management and standard office IT applications; willingness to adopt digital workflows and ensure consistent use of precedents and templates.
• Commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to delivering client solutions that balance risk, cost and client objectives; ability to contribute to practice growth and client retention.
• Professional integrity, commitment to regulatory compliance and a willingness to undertake relevant CPD to maintain and develop specialist knowledge.