Senior Private Client Lawyer (Solicitor / CILEx) in Sussex

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.

You 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.

• 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.

Any lawyers interested in this position with the experience listed above should contact Sam Higgins at Simpson Judge on 07770109301 or via email at sam.higgins@simpsonjudge.co.uk.