Associate - Private Client Offshore (3-5 PQE) in London

Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Private Client Offshore team (Legal 500, Chambers ranked, and a STEP Employer Platinum Partner) are recruiting an Associate (3-5 PQE) to grow the team and continue to deliver the high standards of service we offer to our clients. This is a full-time, permanent role.

The Private Client Group (PC) consists of six distinct and successful teams – Onshore, Offshore (International), Disputes, Art & Luxury, Family, and Residential Property. Our clients range from HNW and UHNW individuals and families, family offices, entrepreneurs, stewards of landed estates, charitable trustees, executors, amongst others. Wedlake Bell has one of the longest-standing and most trusted Private Client practices in the City, and we pride ourselves on our relationships and reputation with our clients.

This Associate role sits within our PC Offshore team (with collaboration across PC Onshore and PC Disputes), delivering technical legal and tax advice to international private clients (both UK resident and non-UK resident) from a broad range of jurisdictions on matters including:

• Structuring wealth in the UK or offshore;
• Advising on the establishment of trusts and other wealth-holding entities;
• Succession planning, including cross-border Will writing and providing technical tax advice;
• Implementing planning in collaboration with UK and international advisors (incl. lawyers, accountants, trustees, and corporate service providers).

The PC Offshore team consists of 6 Partners, 3 Senior Associates, 2 Associates, a Tax & Trust Manager and Assistant, and shared Solicitor and Trainee support with the Onshore and Disputes teams.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated PC Offshore Associate (3-5 PQE) to join a thriving practice. From day one, you will manage high-level work independently, supported by an award-winning team that offers opportunities to enhance your skills and practice. If this appeals to you, we encourage you to apply.

Examples of Recent Work:

• Acting as key advisor to an ultra-high net worth international family co-ordinating their estate planning affairs, working collaboratively with the other key advisers in multiple jurisdictions and the couple's trustees and family office.
• Lead counsel to an international senior financial services figure, working closely with the client, his employer, and other advisors to advise on UK tax and English legal advice and keeping his global tax position under review both to ensure he is compliant in all relevant jurisdictions and to minimise double taxation.
• Advising UHNW US/UK couple (who are long-term US residents having left the UK several decades ago), on a global estate planning exercise which is efficient from both a UK and US perspective.
• Acting for a Kuwaiti-based multi-generational family advising on their global succession planning and intergenerational wealth structuring.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members. Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working on a range of offshore private client matters, including:
• Providing a full range of E&W legal and UK tax advice to international private clients (UK resident and non-resident);
• Advising international clients either moving to or leaving the UK;
• Project managing the structuring and re-structuring of assets;
• Acquiring and disposing of UK assets (often property);
• Drafting Wills, trust deeds, and associated documents;
• Providing ancillary advice to clients to help implement their succession planning strategies;
• Liaising with advisers in other jurisdictions;
• Working closely with colleagues in the PC Onshore and Disputes teams;
• Acting as the day-to-day contact for advising clients on ongoing or new matters;
• Developing the practice by promoting the firm and its work, both to existing and potential clients.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong experience working in an offshore private client practice working on international or cross-border matters with HNW/UHNW international clients;
• Ideally 3-5 years PQE advising on private client matters;
• Be a qualified Solicitor in England & Wales;
• Ideally STEP qualified (or willing to undertake STEP qualification);
• Strong client relationship and business-development skills;
• Strong academic history with the ability to 'think outside the box' and analyse;
• A high level of professionalism and integrity.

Why join us?

• A competitive starting salary and bonus;
• Comprehensive pension plan;
• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
• Enhanced parental leave policies;
• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships;
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances. If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.