Senior Solicitor, Associate and/or partner (5+ years' PQE) - Wills Probate, Priv

Reading – Salary negotiable based on experience

Location: Thames Valley (Hybrid)
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits

About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Private Client Solicitor to join a well-established and highly regarded Private Client team. This role is ideal for an ambitious solicitor looking to move beyond traditional private client work and develop specialist expertise in estate planning, taxation and complex succession planning.
The successful candidate will manage a varied and high-quality caseload while working alongside experienced colleagues, advising high-net-worth individuals, families and business owners on a broad range of private client matters.

Key Responsibilities
You will manage a diverse caseload including:

• Drafting a wide range of Wills, including simple, mirror, life interest trust and discretionary trust Wills.
• Advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney (Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare).
• Managing Deputyship applications through the Court of Protection.
• Administering taxable and non-taxable estates, including high-value estates.
• Advising on Declarations of Trust and ownership structures.
• Managing estate administration from instruction through to completion.
• Providing Inheritance Tax planning and succession planning advice.
• Advising on Capital Gains Tax planning where appropriate.
• Advising on Business Relief, Agricultural Property Relief and Residence Nil Rate Band planning.
• Supporting business owners, trustees and families with long-term wealth preservation strategies.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships while delivering exceptional client service.
• Supporting and mentoring junior members of the team where appropriate.
• Contributing to business development initiatives, networking and the continued growth of the department.

Candidate Profile The successful candidate will have:

• Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years' post-qualification experience in Private Client.
• Strong technical knowledge across Wills, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Trusts.
• Experience managing taxable estates and complex estate administration.
• Exposure to inheritance tax planning and trust structures.
• A genuine interest in developing specialist expertise in private client tax planning.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities to add value for clients.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to support junior colleagues.
• A proactive attitude towards business development and professional networking.

Desirable Experience Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• Business Relief and Agricultural Property Relief planning.
• Capital Gains Tax planning.
• Complex trust advice.
• Estate planning for high-net-worth individuals.
• Multi-generational wealth and succession planning.
• STEP qualification or active progression towards STEP.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays with offices being closed during Christmas and New Years.
• Recruitment bonus scheme 
• Professional membership and subscription fees paid.
• Annual volunteering day
• A collaborative, supportive and inclusive working environment.
• High-quality private client work with increasing technical complexity.
• Clear opportunities for career progression.
• Ongoing support for professional development and specialist tax qualifications.
• Exposure to high-net-worth clients and complex advisory matters.
• A comprehensive benefits package including pension, private medical insurance, life assurance and enhanced family-friendly policies.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Private Client Solicitor who enjoys managing a varied caseload and is looking to further specialise in tax, trusts and complex estate planning within a progressive and respected regional legal practice.

To apply, feel free to reach out to chat about the role further, or even if you just want to discuss the market and have an informal chat. Give me a call or email below. 

�cara@douglas-scott.co.uk
�0745 127 4804