Private Client Lawyer in Gravesend

We are looking for a Private Client Lawyer to manage a varied caseload of wills, LPAs and deputyships, probate and estate administration, trusts, estate and succession planning, Court of Protection work (as applicable) and Inheritance Tax planning. You will run files with appropriate autonomy, supervise and mentor junior staff, and collaborate with Directors and colleagues across our four Kent offices.

About Manak Solicitors: We are a well-established and respected High Street solicitors firm with offices in Orpington, Sevenoaks, Gravesend and Biggin Hill, serving only private-paying clients across Property, Family & Matrimonial, Wills, Probate & LPAs, Trusts, Civil & Criminal Litigation, Employment, and Company & Commercial.

Why join us:

• Competitive salary, reviewed annually, with performance-linked bonus and clear salary banding aligned to experience.
• Good holiday package.
• Transparent pathways to Senior Associate, Department Head and Director, with regular development conversations and support for qualifications.
• Real responsibility, file ownership and direct client contact in a supportive team.
• Structured training and development to keep your knowledge current.
• Varied work with only private-paying clients, and cross-disciplinary exposure.
• A close-knit team delivering a high-quality, cost-effective service to private-paying clients only.

Location and flexibility: Based at one of our offices in Orpington, Sevenoaks, Gravesend or Biggin Hill, with collaboration across all offices.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage a varied caseload of wills, LPAs/deputyships, probate and estate administration, trusts, estate and succession planning, Court of Protection (as applicable) and IHT planning.
• Run files with appropriate autonomy, collaborate across offices and contribute to team goals and know-how.
• Make a meaningful impact in a supportive, growth-minded team, with four offices across Kent, paper-light systems and excellent admin support.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff.
• Use the firm’s web-based Case Management System (CMS) to progress matters and maintain accurate records.
• Ensure timely billing and support effective cash collection with clear client communication.
• Contribute to marketing and business development to grow the department’s profile.
• Maintain up-to-date legal knowledge through the firm’s training and development.
• Build strong relationships with clients, agents and external services.
• Collaborate with Directors and colleagues across the firm.

Essential requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with at least 1 year PQE running a full Private Client (wills, probate, trusts, LPAs/deputyships, IHT) caseload.
• Exceptional communication skills, able to provide clear, compassionate and practical advice.
• Strong organisation and resilience under pressure, with excellent attention to detail.
• Good IT skills and readiness to adopt our CMS and related systems.

Desirable experience:

• STEP membership (or progress towards it), and/or demonstrable expertise in complex estates and trusts.
• Experience with Court of Protection work and tax-efficient estate planning.
• Experience of having worked in a Lexcel or similarly accredited firm.

Benefits:

• Private Medical Insurance (presently Vitality).
• Life Assurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Assistance with the cost of childcare.
• Air-conditioned offices at all branches.
• Opportunity to take advantage of the Company Car Policy after one year’s service.
• Discounted legal services for you and your family.
• Regular social events and cross-office knowledge sharing. Benefits may be subject to eligibility and the applicable firm policy.

Our culture: Low staff turnover, with a friendly, supportive and collaborative environment where people thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. We are committed to equal opportunities and a diverse, inclusive workplace across our four offices in Kent.

Equal opportunities: We are committed to equal opportunities and a diverse, inclusive workplace across our four offices in Kent. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and make hiring decisions based on merit and business need, and we will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Applications are made through our online employment application form. Your chosen role is carried through every step, and you will receive an acknowledgement by email once you submit.