Legal Secretary (Private Client)

Location: Malton

Salary: £24,000 to £30,000

Full-time, permanent

The Opportunity

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Legal Secretary to join a busy Private Client team in Malton, supporting solicitors specialising in probate and estate administration.

You will play a key role in keeping the department running smoothly, providing high-quality secretarial and administrative support and helping to deliver a seamless, supportive service to clients, often at sensitive times.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing full secretarial support to the Private Client team

• Preparing legal documents and correspondence

• Diary management and supporting fee earners with day-to-day administration

• Handling telephone enquiries and liaising with clients in a professional, empathetic manner

• Maintaining document and file systems, ensuring accuracy and discretion at all times

• Preparing financial records and assisting with the distribution of funds

• Supporting the smooth running of the department, managing a busy and varied workload

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Previous experience as a Legal Secretary (ideally within Private Client, probate or estate administration)

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities

• High attention to detail, accuracy and discretion

• Confident communication skills, with a warm and professional approach

• Proactive, dependable working style and a genuine team mindset

Desirable

• Experience supporting probate and estate administration matters

• Confident IT skills and experience using case management systems

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £24,000 to £30,000 (depending on experience)

• Bonus scheme (criteria applies)

• Structured, funded and supported training and development

• Enhanced annual leave

• Health and wellbeing benefits

• Cycle to Work scheme (criteria applies)

• Long service awards

• Team building and wellbeing initiatives, including corporate volunteering, office treat days, colleague of the month and social events

• Legal services benefit (criteria applies)

About Our Client

Our client is a long-established Yorkshire law firm with a strong reputation built on integrity, approachability and a genuine commitment to client care. With offices in across North Yorkshire, the firm is trusted by its community and is known for providing expert legal advice with a personal touch.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Malton

• Full-time, permanent role

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence.

Legal Secretary (Private Client)

Location: York

Salary: £24,000 to £30,000

Full-time, permanent

The Opportunity

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Legal Secretary to join a busy Private Client team in York, supporting solicitors specialising in probate and estate administration.

You will play a key role in keeping the department running smoothly, providing high-quality secretarial and administrative support and helping to deliver a seamless, supportive service to clients, often at sensitive times.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing full secretarial support to the Private Client team

• Preparing legal documents and correspondence

• Diary management and supporting fee earners with day-to-day administration

• Handling telephone enquiries and liaising with clients in a professional, empathetic manner

• Maintaining document and file systems, ensuring accuracy and discretion at all times

• Preparing financial records and assisting with the distribution of funds

• Supporting the smooth running of the department, managing a busy and varied workload

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Previous experience as a Legal Secretary (ideally within Private Client, probate or estate administration)

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities

• High attention to detail, accuracy and discretion

• Confident communication skills, with a warm and professional approach

• Proactive, dependable working style and a genuine team mindset

Desirable

• Experience supporting probate and estate administration matters

• Confident IT skills and experience using case management systems

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £24,000 to £30,000 (depending on experience)

• Bonus scheme (criteria applies)

• Structured, funded and supported training and development

• Enhanced annual leave

• Health and wellbeing benefits

• Cycle to Work scheme (criteria applies)

• Long service awards

• Team building and wellbeing initiatives, including corporate volunteering, office treat days, colleague of the month and social events

• Legal services benefit (criteria applies)

About Our Client

Our client is a long-established Yorkshire law firm with a strong reputation built on integrity, approachability and a genuine commitment to client care. With offices in across North Yorkshire, the firm is trusted by its community and is known for providing expert legal advice with a personal touch.

Location & Working Arrangements

• York

• Full-time, permanent role

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence.

Wills and Probate Solicitor

Location: York

Salary banding: £45,000 to £60,000

Experience: 2+ years PQE (Wills and Probate)

The Opportunity

If you enjoy building trusted client relationships and delivering clear, practical advice on sensitive matters, this is a great opportunity to join an established Wills and Probate team in York.

You will handle a broad private client caseload including Wills, probate, estate administration, estate planning and Lasting Powers of Attorney, with the support of a friendly, collaborative firm that values integrity, approachability and doing the right thing for clients.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing your own caseload of Wills, probate and estate administration matters from instruction through to completion

• Advising clients on estate planning and related private client issues, providing clear and practical guidance

• Drafting Wills and advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney

• Delivering excellent client care, handling matters sensitively and professionally

• Building and maintaining strong client relationships and contributing to the team’s continued growth

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider firm

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• 2+ years’ experience in Wills and Probate work

• Strong experience handling Wills, probate, estate administration and Lasting Powers of Attorney

• Excellent client care and communication skills

• Ability to manage your own caseload effectively and work with minimal supervision

• Collaborative, approachable working style

Desirable

• Experience using Partners for Windows (or similar case management systems)

• Strong analytical skills and confidence providing clear, practical advice

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £45,000 to £60,000 (depending on experience)

• Bonus scheme (criteria applies)

• Structured, funded and supported training and development

• Enhanced annual leave (plus birthday leave, criteria applies)

• Health and wellbeing benefits

• Cycle to Work scheme (criteria applies)

• Long service awards

• Team building and wellbeing initiatives, including corporate volunteering, office treat days and social events

• Legal services benefit (criteria applies)

About Our Client

Our client is a long-established Yorkshire law firm with a strong reputation built on integrity, approachability and a genuine commitment to client care. With offices in around North Yorkshire, the firm supports individuals and businesses across the region and beyond, and is known for providing expert legal advice with a personal touch.

Location & Working Arrangements

• York

• Full-time, permanent role

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence.

Private Client Solicitor (Wills & Probate)

Location: Watford + flexibility

Salary: £55,000–£70,000 

Why this role

Our client is looking for a Private Client Solicitor who wants a high-quality Wills & Probate caseload with a genuinely interesting additional strand of work. Around 70% of the role is core private client work, with the remaining time supporting probate matters connected to infected blood compensation cases. This is a developing area with real purpose, plenty of learning, and partner-level support.

The role at a glance

Job title: Private Client Solicitor / Legal Executive (Fee Earner)

Location: Watford 

Working pattern: 35 hours/week (Mon–Fri 09:15–17:30)

Flexibility: Part-time (4 days) considered; some flexibility on arrangements discussed case-by-case

Reporting to: Partners / Senior Partner

What you’ll be doing

Core private client work (majority of caseload)

• Managing a varied caseload from instruction to completion, including:

  • Probate and estate administration (applications, administration, correspondence with executors/beneficiaries)

  • Wills (all types) from instruction through to execution

  • Lasting Powers of Attorney from instruction to registration

  • Inheritance tax planning and implementation (including lifetime trusts, gifting, and Deeds of Variation)

• Delivering excellent client care, keeping clients informed even where matters are temporarily inactive

• Working collaboratively to manage deadlines and support team capacity

• Supporting business development through strong relationships and a professional service

Infected blood-related private client work (smaller, specialist element)

• Supporting probate/estate matters connected to infected and affected blood victims who have passed away

• Working in an area where guidance is still evolving, which may involve:

  • Interpreting developing rules/guidance

  • Identifying entitled recipients/beneficiaries where details may be unclear

  • Potential contentious probate elements

This element will be discussed in detail during interview so you can make a fully informed decision about the nature of the work.

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX)

• 3+ years’ PQE (or equivalent post-qualification experience) in UK private practice

• Proven ability to run private client matters end-to-end with minimal supervision

• Strong technical grounding in:

  • Wills, Probate, LPAs, IHT planning

  • Trusts and estate administration processes

• Excellent client communication and stakeholder management

• Highly organised, detail-focused, and comfortable with a busy caseload

• Strong IT capability and confidence using legal case management systems

Desirable

• Exposure to complex probate and/or contentious probate

• Interest in developing expertise in a specialist, evolving area of private client work

• Experience supervising or supporting junior colleagues

Team and progression

You’ll join a close-knit firm with a small, supportive private client function. The team includes partner oversight, administrative support, and junior team members who will rotate into the department over the next 12–18 months.

This role offers clear scope to:

• Take ownership of files and become a go-to fee earner in the department

• Develop specialist expertise in an emerging area

• Supervise and mentor junior team members as they progress

Salary and benefits

Salary: £55,000–£70,000 depending on experience (flexibility for the right person)

Benefits include:

• 25 days’ holiday

• Life assurance (4x basic salary) (after probation)

• Group Income Protection (after probation)

• Private healthcare (after 3 years’ service)

• Pension: employer 3% / employee 5%

• Parking support: limited on-site spaces for fee earners, or arranged parking in a nearby car park (2–3 minutes’ walk)

Interested?

For a confidential conversation and full details, contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd (H-FTS)

Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

If you’d prefer, send your CV and a brief note on your current situation (notice period, salary expectations, and what you’re looking for next).

Confidentiality: All applications and discussions will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Residential Property Lawyer (Conveyancing)

Location: East Yorkshire

Salary: £40,000 to £60,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: Experienced Residential Property Lawyer (qualified or equivalent experience)

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Residential Property Lawyer to join a well-established Yorkshire law firm with multiple offices across the region. You’ll manage a varied conveyancing caseload with a high level of autonomy, supported by established systems and a collaborative team, alongside flexible working hours and genuine business development opportunities.

The Opportunity

• Run your own residential conveyancing caseload from instruction through to completion with a high level of autonomy

• Handle a broad mix of matters including freehold, leasehold and new build transactions

• Manage remortgages, transfers of equity and more complex residential property work as required

• Deliver excellent client care and build strong relationships throughout the transaction process

• Network with local estate agents and develop referral relationships to support team growth

• Work efficiently and accurately, maintaining high standards across all files

• Collaborate with colleagues within a supportive conveyancing department with established processes

• Keep up to date with developments in residential property law and conveyancing practice

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Strong residential conveyancing experience with the ability to manage a caseload independently

• Strong technical knowledge of residential property law and conveyancing procedures

• Excellent client care skills and confidence building trusted relationships

• Organised, detail-focused and comfortable managing deadlines

• Self-motivated, with a proactive approach and pride in end-to-end case management

• Team player who will fit well within a supportive culture

Desirable

• Interest in business development and networking with local professionals

• Experience handling more complex residential conveyancing matters

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £40,000 to £60,000 (dependent on experience)

• Multiple office locations across Yorkshire

• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance

• High level of autonomy over your caseload

• Strong existing referral relationships and steady workflow

• Supportive team environment with established systems and processes

• Professional development opportunities within a successful practice

• Recognition and reward for contribution to team success

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established Yorkshire law firm with multiple offices across the region, providing legal services to individuals and businesses. They are known for a client-focused approach, supportive culture, and a genuine commitment to work-life balance, with a strong reputation for residential conveyancing across Yorkshire.

Location & Working Arrangements

Yorkshire, with multiple office locations. Flexible working hours are available.

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.

Legal Partner Opportunity – Collaborative Law Firm (UK & International)

Are you an experienced Partner-level solicitor with an established client following, looking for greater flexibility, autonomy, and the backing of a collaborative, modern law firm?

A forward-thinking, nationwide law firm with a strong UK and international presence is expanding its team.

We are seeking entrepreneurial Partners from all legal disciplines who are ready to leverage their expertise and client base, while benefiting from a unique, highly collaborative business model.

What’s on Offer

• Collaborative Structure: Join a dynamic team where Partners work independently yet benefit from a hive-style network. Teams regularly refer work to each other, ensuring clients have access to full-service support.

• Fee Sharing: Generous fee share model – retain up to 80% of your billings. Additionally, receive 15% on any work you refer to other teams, even if you are not directly involved in the project.

• Brand & Resources: Access to a respected law firm brand, robust infrastructure, and a network of like-minded professionals.

• Flexibility: Autonomy to grow your own practice, build your team, and shape your career with the support of a collaborative environment.

Ideal Candidate

• UK-qualified solicitor with significant post-qualification experience (PQE)

• Established client following and proven track record of business development

• Desire to work collaboratively and refer work across practice areas

• Entrepreneurial mindset with commitment to delivering high-quality client service

Practice Areas Sought

We welcome applications from Partners in all legal disciplines, with particular interest in:

• Corporate & Commercial

• Employment Law

• Private Client

• Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Real Estate

• Family Law

Next Steps

If you’re seeking a platform to maximise your earnings, grow your client base, and join a thriving collaborative network, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply confidentially to discuss this unique opportunity in more detail.

All enquiries will be handled in strict confidence. The name of the firm will be disclosed upon progressing to the next stage.

Commercial Property Solicitor (Newly Qualified)

Location: Leeds Salary: £55,000

Start date: September 2026

Experience: Newly Qualified 

This is an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified Commercial Property Solicitor to join a highly regarded Commercial Property team in Leeds, starting in September 2026.

The team sits within a wider Real Estate offering and is a three-Partner group of around 25 people, offering strong support, quality work and a collaborative environment. The firm offers flexible and hybrid working.

The Opportunity

• Support on a broad range of commercial property matters, developing a strong technical foundation as an NQ

• Work closely with experienced colleagues across the wider Real Estate team

• Draft and review key documents and manage matters with appropriate supervision

• Build trusted relationships with clients and deliver clear, practical advice

• Develop your profile internally and externally as you progress

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales (newly qualified)

• Training contract experience in commercial property and/or real estate

• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Clear communication style and confidence building relationships

• Commercial mindset and a proactive approach to learning

• Strong team ethic and willingness to get involved

Desirable

• Experience across a range of commercial property work (for example, landlord and tenant, acquisitions and disposals, development, secured lending)

• Experience working collaboratively across a wider real estate offering

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £55,000 (currently, may be reviewed before start date)

• Leeds location

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Supportive team structure with strong supervision and development as you transition into qualification

• Clear progression and training opportunities within a wider Real Estate practice

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established commercial law firm in Leeds with a strong Real Estate offering and a collaborative, people-first culture. The Commercial Property team is a three-Partner group of around 25 people and is continuing to invest in growth and long-term development.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. Flexible and hybrid working patterns are available.

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.

Construction Associate 

Location: Leeds

Salary: £55,000 to £75,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 1 to 5 years’ PQE 

This is an excellent opportunity for a Construction Associate to join a growing construction team in Leeds. The team is actively expanding and can accommodate lawyers with a contentious, non-contentious, or mixed construction background.

You’ll join a collaborative group that includes two Senior Associates, two consultants and a paralegal, with a new Construction Partner due to join in the coming months. If you’re looking for high-quality work, a supportive culture, and the chance to build your profile as the team grows, this role is well worth a look.

The Opportunity

• Advise on a varied range of construction matters, tailored to your background (contentious, non-contentious, or mixed)

• Support on construction disputes, adjudication and wider dispute resolution work where relevant

• Support on non-contentious construction projects where relevant (including drafting and negotiating construction documentation)

• Work closely with senior colleagues on complex matters, with appropriate autonomy as you progress

• Build trusted client relationships and deliver clear, commercial advice

• Contribute to business development and profile-raising activity, with support from the wider team

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across the wider firm where matters overlap

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

• 1 to 5 years’ PQE in construction law (or equivalent experience)

• Experience in either contentious construction, non-contentious construction, or a mixed practice

• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

• Confident communicator with a client-first mindset

• Commercial approach and a proactive, solutions-focused attitude

• Strong team ethic and ability to work well under pressure

Important

• The team is looking specifically for an Associate hire in the 1 to 5 PQE range (NQ and Senior Associate level cannot be considered for this role due to current team structure)

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £55,000 to £75,000 (dependent on experience)

• Leeds location

• Hybrid working and flexible working arrangements

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with service)

• Option to buy and sell annual leave (up to 5 days)

• A range of additional benefits (including wellbeing support and employee discounts)

• Supportive culture with clear development and progression as the team grows

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established commercial law firm in Leeds, known for a pragmatic, people-first approach and a collaborative culture. The firm advises businesses and individuals across a broad range of services and is investing in growth across key practice areas, including construction.

Location & Working Arrangements

Leeds. Hybrid working is available, with flexibility depending on the needs of the team and client work.

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.

Agricultural Solicitor

Location: Malton, Yorkshire

Salary: £55,000-£75,000 + Extensive Benefits

Experience required: 2-5 Years PQE

Join a prestigious Yorkshire law firm with over 200 years of legal excellence, serving the rural community throughout Yorkshire and beyond.

Our client, a CQS-accredited firm with a strong reputation for agricultural and rural law expertise, is seeking an ambitious Agricultural Solicitor to support farmers, rural landowners, and agri-businesses through complex legal challenges.

About the Role

As an Agricultural Solicitor, you'll provide specialist legal advice to the rural community, navigating intricate legal and regulatory landscapes while supporting the local rural economy.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Agricultural Fee-Earning and Case Management:
  • Providing specialist legal advice to:
    • Farmers
    • Rural landowners
    • Agri-businesses
  • Handling complex agricultural transactions:
    • Property sales and purchases
    • Land registration
    • Succession planning
    • Infrastructure projects
  • Drafting and negotiating agricultural-specific documents
  • Advising on regulatory compliance
• Client Relationship and Sector Development:
  • Building long-term relationships with rural clients
  • Identifying business opportunities
  • Supporting marketing activities
  • Providing guidance on agricultural regulations
  • Gathering sector insights
• Financial and Risk Management:
  • Advising on agricultural risk management
  • Managing billing and client expectations
  • Ensuring compliance with sector regulations
  • Supporting succession planning and tax reliefs
• Rural Teamwork and Professional Development:
  • Supervising and mentoring junior staff
  • Collaborating across departments
  • Sharing sector-specific knowledge
  • Maintaining professional standards

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements:

• UK-qualified Solicitor with valid practising certificate
• 2-5 years' post-qualification experience in a recognised firm
• Substantial experience managing complex legal work
• Strong leadership in client service
• Commercially astute approach
• Expertise in:
  • Agricultural law
  • Rural property transactions
  • Succession planning
  • Agricultural legislation
• Ability to balance legal rigour with business impact
• Passion for rural affairs and agricultural sector

Desirable:

• Experience in rural diversification projects
• Knowledge of renewable energy in agriculture
• Understanding of environmental initiatives
• Additional agricultural law qualifications

Exceptional Benefits Package

Financial Rewards:

• Competitive salary (£55,000-£75,000 dependent on experience)
• Performance-related bonus potential
• Comprehensive pension scheme

Professional Development:

• Continuous learning in agricultural law
• Training on rural policy changes
• Mentoring opportunities
• Support for sector-specific professional growth
• Clear career progression pathways

Firm Benefits:

• CQS-accredited firm
• Over 200 years of legal heritage
• Supportive, collaborative working environment
• Opportunities for sector representation
• Community engagement initiatives

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working options
• Generous annual leave
• Family-friendly policies
• Wellbeing support programmes

Location & Working Arrangements

Based: Malton office
Working Pattern: Full-time
Hybrid Working: Supported with flexible arrangements

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established Yorkshire law firm committed to delivering exceptional legal services with a deep understanding of the rural community. With over 200 years of legal expertise, they serve farmers, landowners, and agri-businesses throughout Yorkshire and beyond.

Core Values:

• Rural community support
• Technical excellence
• Client-focused approach
• Continuous learning
• Sustainable agricultural practices

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're an ambitious Agricultural Solicitor passionate about rural law and looking to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact:

Lee Hawthorne-Finch
0333 996 2882 or lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com