Private Client Associate in Slough

Ortus Group is working with a leading mid-sized law firm based in Central London. The firm provides a comprehensive legal service to a wide range of businesses and private individuals. The client base includes multinationals, public and private companies, partnerships, public sector organisations and private clients.

The Tax & Estate Planning Team is part of the wider Private Client Services Department which includes Family. The team acts for a wide range of high and ultra-high net worth individuals and families. The client base has historically been predominantly from the UK, with perhaps 40% representing international work. Increasingly, the work derives from international sources, including an international office. The work ranges from trust and probate administration, to advising on inheritance, capital gains and income tax mitigation, preparing wills, creating trusts, drafting and dealing with lasting powers of attorney and the affairs of incapacitated individuals, charity administration and advice, and the full range of Private Client services. Much of the work has a large tax component, both domestic and international.

The Associate for the Tax & Estate Planning Team will actively assist in developing the practice by working mainly on their own files, and with others on larger matters. In accordance with the general practice of the firm, they will have ample operational independence, professional responsibility and client contact, but will also benefit from constant support and encouragement from other members of the Department, at all levels, including supervision from highly experienced partners, ready access to a Legal PA, and the opportunity to delegate work to and secure support from a trainee.

Responsibilities

• To be responsible, under the supervision of the partner, for the day-to-day running of matters and to provide a high level of client service.
• Carry out work expeditiously and to a high professional and commercial standard.
• Assist in the supervision of trainee solicitors.
• Comply with the continuing education requirements of the SRA and ensure that adequate training is undertaken to keep up to date with changes in the law.
• Capable of producing competent advice promptly and within budget.
• Ensure that all time spent on any matter is recorded and that recorded time is monitored regularly and billed promptly.
• Able and willing to become involved and assist in all matters, including administration.
• Contribute to knowledge management and the pursuit of excellence and efficiency.
• Consolidate the relationship with clients and actively seek to market the services of the department and the wider firm to clients and potential clients.

Person specification

• Able to demonstrate competence in all areas of estate planning, trusts and personal taxation, including cross-jurisdictional tax and estate planning issues.
• Able to demonstrate good drafting skills.
• Able to form good working relationships with clients, colleagues and other professionals at all levels of seniority.
• A people-person, with emotional intelligence who is assured, professional and confident in ability.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in business development and willingness to become involved in departmental marketing initiatives.
• Able to demonstrate the qualities of an enthusiastic team player.
• Demonstrate behaviours in line with the firm’s values and expectations.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays).
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Season Ticket Loan.
• Death in Service Benefit.
• Hybrid working, 3 days in the office, 2 remotely.