Sophia at Avocet Legal Careers is delighted to present an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Private Client Lawyer to join an innovative and client-focused commercial law firm with offices in Truro and London.
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your own private client practice with genuine autonomy while enjoying exceptional flexibility and a clear pathway to progression.
About the Client
Our client is a distinctive commercial law firm that has built its reputation on doing things differently. With founding partners who collectively bring over half a century of business law experience, they've created a practice that challenges traditional law firm models while delivering exceptional results. The firm serves a diverse client base spanning Cornwall-based individuals and families through to high-net-worth clients with complex affairs, supported by a team that includes recognised specialists with real-world commercial and business experience.
About the Role
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Private Client lawyer to manage a varied caseload of wills, probate, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate planning matters, working with complete autonomy while having access to support from the managing partner and collaboration with specialists in property, corporate, and tax. Based from the Truro head office with flexible working arrangements, the position offers genuine variety, working with clients ranging from straightforward estate planning through to complex, high-value estates involving business assets, agricultural property, and intricate tax planning.
Private Client Lawyer Responsibilities
- Managing your own comprehensive private client caseload
- Advising clients on wills, estate planning, and succession planning for individuals and families
- Handling estate administration and probate matters from Grant applications through to distribution
- Advising on and preparing lasting powers of attorney for property and financial affairs and health and welfare
- Advising on complex estates involving business interests, agricultural assets, and overseas property
- Managing court of protection applications and deputyship matters
- Developing the private client practice through networking, professional connections, and client referrals
- Collaborating with colleagues in property, corporate, and other teams on multi-disciplinary matters
- Working towards team management responsibilities with appropriate support
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining professional standards
Private Client Lawyer Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with ideally 5+ years' PQE in private client work
- STEP qualification or working towards membership would be advantageous but not essential
- Strong technical knowledge across wills, probate, trusts, and estate planning
- Proven ability to manage private client matters independently from initial instruction through to completion
- Experience handling estate administration including complex estates with business and agricultural assets
- Confident with inheritance tax planning and advising high-net-worth individuals
- Understanding of compliance requirements and regulatory standards for private client work
- Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to provide sensitive advice during difficult circumstances
- Compassionate, empathetic approach combined with technical excellence
- Proactive, client-focused approach with ambition for practice development
Benefits
- Very competitive salary
- Full-time or part-time options available
- Company pension scheme
- 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Christmas shutdown
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Completely flexible working arrangements
- Excellent career progression opportunities including potential team management
- Largely paperless, low carbon footprint practice
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an experienced and compassionate Private Client lawyer who's ready to take the next step in their career with greater independence and responsibility. You'll combine excellent technical knowledge of wills, probate, and trusts with the interpersonal skills and sensitivity that private client work demands. Someone who builds strong, trusted relationships with clients and their families, you'll understand the importance of providing clear, empathetic advice during what can be emotionally challenging times. Your ambition goes beyond simply handling matters well – you want to grow a practice, develop professional relationships, and eventually mentor others.
For a confidential discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Sophia at Avocet Legal Careers:
📱 01392 642518
📨 sophia@avocetlegal.co.uk