Wills and Trusts Lawyer (5yr+ PQE) – Renaissance Legal in Brighton

Location: 5 days p.w., based in Brighton office – some hybrid working possible.

Description: As an experienced Wills and Trusts Lawyer, you will advise on a varied caseload, primarily focusing on Wills, Trusts, tax planning and LPAs.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing a varied caseload of private client matters, ranging from straightforward to complex cases, with a focus on Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Inheritance Tax Planning – particularly in relation to life planning for disabled and vulnerable people and their families.
• Providing accurate, timely, and sensitive legal advice to clients throughout the full lifecycle of each matter, from initial contact through to conclusion.
• Working collaboratively with a skilled team of legal advisors and support staff to deliver high-quality client service.
• Ensuring compliance with the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules and the professional conduct regulations relevant to solicitors and chartered legal executives.
• Meeting continuing professional development (CPD) and training requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, including participation in in-house training initiatives.
• Contributing to the growth of the firm through business development activities such as authoring articles, presenting, or moderating on webinars or other public events (training will be provided) and nurturing client relationships.

Other responsibilities and duties:

• Effectively organising and managing your own caseload, supervising support staff to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of client services.
• Maintaining exceptional standards of client care across all communication channels, including telephone, email, in-person meetings, and video calls (e.g. MS Teams/Zoom).
• Confidently self-generating correspondence and legal documents without reliance on administrative support.
• Making full and effective use of the firm’s case management system to manage files in line with internal procedures and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Maintaining methodical, compliant, and efficient file management practices.
• Meeting agreed billing and time recording targets, as set by the firm.
• Taking responsibility for credit control and the financial oversight of your matters.

Legal Expertise:

• The ideal candidate will demonstrate detailed understanding of and practical experience in:
• Wills – Drafting Wills including those with Life Interest Trust, trusts of residue and Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts.
• Trusts – Creating Life Interest Trusts, Discretionary Trusts, Disabled Person’s Trusts and Declarations of Trust.
• Advising clients on taxation of Trusts.
• Advising Trustees on Trust administration including drafting required documentation.
• Advising clients on estate and succession planning.
• Lasting Powers of Attorney and registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney.
• Inheritance Tax planning.
• Post-death variations.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years PQE or CILEX-qualified.
• STEP qualified (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards STEP accreditation.
• Technical expertise and experience across a broad range of private client matters.

Skills and outlook:

• With a steady stream of new clients to support, this role will be demanding and requires a flexible, hands-on approach. A positive team-focused attitude and a willingness to muck in when required are essential.
• Committed to ongoing professional development, with a desire to build on existing expertise under appropriate supervision and training.
• Calm, compassionate, and empathetic, especially when supporting vulnerable or distressed clients.
• Professional, well-presented, and approachable.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, contributing to a positive working environment.
• Highly organised and efficient, with strong time management and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, with strong general IT literacy.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proactive in problem-solving and identifying practical solutions.
• Demonstrate sound judgment in knowing when to escalate issues.
• Flexible and adaptable, willing to take on additional duties or training relevant to the role.

For a full job description, contact the Practice Manager, Laura Hull at: laurah@renaissancelegal.co.uk.

Renaissance Legal reserves the right to alter or amend the duties set out in this Job Description in accordance with the needs of the business and after consultation with the postholder. Renaissance Legal is an equal opportunities employer.