Private Client Solicitor in St Helens

St Helens Law Ltd (SHL Solicitors) are seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor/Fee Earner or STEP-qualified practitioner with a minimum of 2 years’ PQE to join our expanding Private Client department.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience managing complex probate matters, high-value estates, intestacy applications, and trusts administration, and will be confident supervising junior team members.

This role offers excellent autonomy, a supportive environment, and genuine progression opportunities within a respected firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage your own high-quality caseload of probate and estate administration files from initial instruction to final distribution.
• Prepare and submit applications for Grants of Probate and Grants of Letters of Administration, including estates involving tax, foreign assets, business property, or agricultural relief.
• Handle intestate estates and complex asset tracing issues.
• Draft accurate and comprehensive estate accounts, including interim and final accounts.
• Advise executors, administrators, trustees, and beneficiaries on procedural and tax matters.
• Liaise with HMRC, financial institutions, estate agents, accountants, and other third parties.
• Wills, Trusts & Lifetime Planning
• Draft Wills, Codicils, Deeds of Variation, and Letters of Wishes, including for complex family structures and tax-efficient planning.
• Provide advice on inheritance tax mitigation, exemptions and reliefs, and estate planning strategies.
• Prepare and register Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection deputyship applications.
• Support elderly and vulnerable clients with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Client Care & Compliance
• Deliver exceptional client care with clear communication and a proactive approach.
• Ensure files are managed in compliance with SRA Code of Conduct, AML requirements, and internal risk management processes.
• Utilise case management systems effectively (Proclaim experience advantageous).
• Supervise, mentor, and support junior members of the team when required.
• Minimum 2+ years’ PQE as a Private Client Solicitor/Fee Earner or a fully or part-qualified STEP practitioner.
• Extensive experience handling complex estates, trusts, and probate applications.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills.
• Experience supervising junior staff or willingness to take on supervisory responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
• Compassionate and professional approach when dealing with sensitive matters.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• Full STEP qualification (STEP) or advanced-level study (STEP Advanced Certificates).
• Knowledge of BPR, APR, Estates containing foreign assets, Trust tax returns and ongoing trust compliance
• Experience assisting with contentious probate issues (non-essential).
• Willingness to contribute to departmental growth and business development activities.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary depending on experience.
• Hybrid working options and flexibility around agreed office days (once probation has passed)
• Supportive working environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
• Access to ongoing professional development, including STEP support where applicable.
• Access to specialist private client conferences and webinars.
• Friendly and collaborative team culture.
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