At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise clients on probate, wills, and estate planning while managing your own caseload.
- Company: A respected law firm in Wolverhampton with over 150 years of service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Genuine leadership opportunities as the current Head of Department retires in 2027.
- Why this job: Join a trusted firm and shape the future of the Private Client Department.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with experience in Private Client work and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are a long-established and highly respected firm of solicitors based in Wolverhampton city centre, serving individuals and families across the West Midlands for more than 150 years. Due to succession planning within our Private Client Department, we are seeking an experienced and ambitious solicitor to join our Probate Team.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a Private Client Solicitor who is looking to develop their career within a well-established practice and ultimately take a leading role within the department.
The RoleYou will advise clients on a broad range of private client matters, including:
- Probate and estate administration
- Drafting Wills and estate planning
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
- Trusts and wealth preservation
- Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning
- Capital Gains Tax considerations relating to estates and trusts
- Lifetime tax planning and succession planning
- Advising families on protecting and passing on wealth efficiently
You will manage your own caseload while working closely with the current Head of Department to ensure a smooth succession plan.
The OpportunityThe current Head of Department is due to retire in March 2027, creating a genuine opportunity for the right candidate to progress into a leadership position and head up the Probate and Private Client Team. We are looking for someone who is ambitious, commercially aware, and committed to delivering excellent client service while helping to shape the future of the department.
About YouYou will:
- Be a qualified Solicitor with experience in Private Client work
- Have strong technical knowledge of probate, wills, LPAs and estate administration
- Possess experience of advising on Inheritance Tax planning and related tax matters
- Be confident managing client relationships and developing business opportunities
- Demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills
- Be keen to play a key role in the future growth and development of the department
- STEP membership or working towards STEP qualification would be advantageous, although not essential.
A competitive salary commensurate with experience, a clear pathway to departmental leadership, a supportive and collaborative working environment, quality work from an established client base, genuine long-term career prospects, and the opportunity to join a trusted firm with a proud history spanning more than 150 years.
If you are looking for a role that offers high-quality private client work, real responsibility, and a clear route to leading a successful department, we would be delighted to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter in confidence to Tracy Davis, Thornes Solicitors, Lich Gates, Wolverhampton WV1 1UA.
Private Client Solicitor – Probate, Wills & Estate Planning in Birmingham employer: Thornes Solicitors
Thornes Solicitors is a highly respected firm with over 150 years of experience, located in the heart of Wolverhampton city centre. We pride ourselves on our supportive and collaborative work culture, offering competitive salaries and clear pathways for career progression, including opportunities for partnership or directorship. Join us to be part of a trusted practice that values excellence in client service and fosters long-term professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Client Solicitor – Probate, Wills & Estate Planning in Birmingham
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We think you need these skills to ace Private Client Solicitor – Probate, Wills & Estate Planning in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Thornes Solicitors, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Thornes Solicitors and the specific role of Private Client Solicitor – Probate, Wills & Estate Planning. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Thornes Solicitors’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thornes Solicitors
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Thornes Solicitors.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Thornes Solicitors.