At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex private client matters and lead a supportive team.
- Company: Established legal practice with a focus on professional development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with a strong ethos and commitment to growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in private client work; experience in mentoring is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
An established and growing legal practice is seeking a senior private client lawyer to take a key role within its Private Client team. Applications are equally welcomed from experienced solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives (CILEx lawyers) with strong private client expertise.
This is a senior appointment offering the opportunity to combine high‑level technical work with team leadership and involvement in the strategic development of the department.
The RoleYou will manage a varied and high-quality caseload of complex private client matters while supervising and supporting a team of between 2 and 5 qualified fee earners. The role calls for a confident, technically strong and commercially aware lawyer who enjoys developing people, building client relationships and contributing to long‑term departmental growth.
Key Responsibilities- Handling a broad range of private client work including wills, LPAs, probate and estate administration, trusts, estate planning and, where relevant, Court of Protection matters.
- Advising a diverse client base, including high‑net‑worth individuals, families, and elderly or vulnerable clients, with professionalism, empathy and sound judgement.
- Managing complex and high‑value estates, including multi‑generational and inheritance tax planning matters.
- Maintaining and developing strong relationships with clients, referrers and third parties such as accountants, financial advisers, HMRC and the Probate Registry.
- Working autonomously on your own matters while collaborating closely with colleagues across the team.
- Supervising, mentoring and developing junior lawyers and support staff, fostering a supportive and high‑performing team culture.
- Monitoring financial performance of matters, including billing, WIP and KPI targets, and encouraging commercial awareness within the team.
- Playing an active role in business development, networking and building your own client following.
- Ensuring compliance with all regulatory and professional standards.
- Acting as a positive role model and championing the firm’s values across the department.
- A qualified solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx) with around 5+ years’ post‑qualification experience in private client work.
- Strong technical knowledge of wills, probate, trusts, LPAs and inheritance tax planning.
- Proven experience of advising on complex private client matters, including HNW estates.
- Previous experience supervising or mentoring others is essential.
- STEP qualification, or working towards STEP, is desirable but not essential.
- Confident drafting, communication and organisational skills.
- Comfortable using case management systems (experience with Mattersphere is advantageous but not required).
- Excellent client‑care skills, with particular sensitivity when working with elderly or vulnerable clients.
- Strong attention to detail and sound problem‑solving ability.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload independently and prioritise effectively.
- A collaborative and supportive working style.
- Commercial awareness and enthusiasm for business development and profile‑building.
- A genuine commitment to developing junior colleagues and contributing to a positive team environment.
- Salary of £60,000 – £80,000 depending on experience, expertise and PQE.
- Hybrid working arrangement split between Worthing and Hove.
- Clear career progression, including the opportunity to take on greater leadership and specialist responsibilities.
- Support for ongoing professional development, including STEP and CPD.
- A flexible, supportive and modern working environment with a strong team ethos.
Senior Private Client Lawyer (Solicitor/CILEx) in London employer: Simpson Judge Ltd
Contact Detail:
Simpson Judge Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Private Client Lawyer (Solicitor/CILEx) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other legal professionals, attend industry events, and join relevant groups. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a strong online presence by sharing insights on private client matters or writing articles. This not only highlights your knowledge but also attracts potential employers who are looking for someone with your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to private client work. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex estates and how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about joining our team. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Private Client Lawyer (Solicitor/CILEx) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Private Client Lawyer role. Highlight your expertise in private client work, especially with complex matters like wills and trusts, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about private client law and how your experience aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention any leadership roles or mentoring you've done – we love that!
Showcase Your Client Care Skills: Since this role involves working with high-net-worth individuals and vulnerable clients, make sure to highlight your client care skills. Share examples of how you've handled sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Judge Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of wills, probate, trusts, and LPAs. Be ready to discuss complex private client matters you've handled in the past, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, be prepared to share examples of how you've developed others in your previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you've fostered a supportive team culture or contributed to team growth.
✨Client Relationships Matter
Demonstrate your ability to build and maintain strong client relationships. Think of specific instances where you've successfully advised high-net-worth individuals or vulnerable clients, showcasing your empathy and professionalism.
✨Be Business Savvy
This position requires commercial awareness, so come equipped with ideas on business development and networking. Discuss how you've previously contributed to financial performance and client following, as this will align with the firm's goals for long-term growth.