Corporate & Commercial Solicitor (4+ PQE)

Location: North West London (Harrow)

Salary: c.£60,000 – £80,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you an experienced Corporate & Commercial Solicitor seeking high-calibre transactional work and direct client exposure without the excessive billable targets or rigid hierarchy of City firms? Our client is a prominent, well-established law firm in North West London (Harrow) with a thriving corporate practice and a rapidly expanding client portfolio. Experiencing sustained demand across their corporate and commercial team, they are seeking a commercially minded Solicitor (4+ PQE) to take ownership of mid-market M&A transactions, advise ambitious entrepreneurs, and fast-track their professional growth within a supportive environment.

The Opportunity

In this key fee-earning position, you will work closely with business owners, directors, and corporate entities, providing strategic legal guidance through every stage of the business lifecycle. Managing matters independently from initial instruction to completion, you will oversee share and asset transactions, draft complex commercial agreements, and structure corporate reorganisations. Designed for a practitioner who thrives on building genuine, long-term relationships with entrepreneurial clients, this role offers high operational autonomy, direct cross-departmental collaboration, and a clear, structured pathway toward senior practice leadership.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx with a minimum of 4+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in corporate and commercial law within a reputable UK private practice.

• Transactional & M&A Expertise: Proven track record advising on share and business acquisitions/disposals (M&A), corporate restructures, joint ventures, and general company law compliance.

• Commercial Drafting & Negotiation: Strong expertise drafting and negotiating bespoke commercial contracts, terms of business, shareholder agreements, partnership deeds, and articles of association.

• Client Advisory & Commercial Acumen: Confident, articulate communication style with the ability to translate complex legal issues into pragmatic, business-focused advice for OMBs, SMEs, and high-net-worth entrepreneurs.

• Business Development & Collaboration: Proactive approach to client retention, cross-referral generation (working alongside Commercial Property and Private Client teams), and driving practice expansion.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £60,000 – £80,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

• Agile Working: Flexible/hybrid working arrangements supported alongside modern, well-located office facilities in Harrow, North West London.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, private medical insurance, workplace pension scheme, payment of professional fees, and full CPD/training support.

• Career Trajectory: Structured, transparent advancement pathway to Senior Associate and beyond, with direct opportunities to shape corporate service delivery and team expansion.

• Culture & Support: Collaborative, inclusive firm culture where individual initiative is recognised, supported by dedicated secretarial and administrative staff.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.

Litigation Associate Solicitor (6+ PQE)

Location: North West London (Harrow)

Salary: c.£65,000 – £85,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you an experienced Commercial Litigator looking to transition away from the rigid bureaucracy of City or West End firms while retaining high-value, complex dispute instructions? Our client is a highly regarded, ambitious law firm in North West London (Harrow) with a thriving litigation and dispute resolution practice. Experiencing sustained growth, they are seeking a commercially minded Litigation Associate Solicitor (6+ PQE) to take full ownership of high-profile commercial disputes, build direct client relationships, and fast-track their trajectory toward senior practice leadership.

The Opportunity

In this key fee-earning position, you will join an established team managing substantial, multi-faceted commercial disputes with high operational autonomy and client contact from day one. Advising business owners, property investors, corporate developers, and high-net-worth individuals, you will oversee cases spanning shareholder conflicts, corporate transactions, injunctive relief, and high-value commercial property litigation. Designed for a practitioner seeking genuine matter ownership and career longevity, this role offers direct involvement in departmental strategy, junior mentoring, and a defined pathway to Partnership.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with a minimum of 6+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in commercial litigation within a reputable UK private practice (City, West End, or top regional firm background highly regarded).

• Technical Mastery & Dispute Resolution: Proven track record independently managing complex, high-value disputes—including shareholder/director conflicts, unfair prejudice petitions (s.994), corporate joint venture disputes, breach of contract, and commercial property litigation.

• Court Strategy & Advocacy: In-depth experience managing all phases of litigation, drafting pleadings, witness evidence, interim applications, settlement agreements, and representing clients across Court proceedings, mediations, and arbitrations.

• Commercial Analysis & Risk Management: Ability to provide clear, pragmatic litigation risk advice, settlement strategies, and decisive guidance tailored to owner-managed businesses and HNWIs.

• Team Development & BD: Collaborative approach with a keen interest in mentoring junior fee earners, cross-departmental referrals (working alongside Corporate, Commercial Property, and Private Client teams), and driving practice expansion.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £65,000 – £85,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical expertise) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

• Agile Working: Flexible/hybrid working arrangements supported alongside modern, well-located office facilities in Harrow, North West London.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, private medical insurance, workplace pension scheme, payment of professional fees, and full CPD/training support.

• Career Trajectory: Structured, transparent advancement pathway to Senior Associate and Partner levels, with direct opportunities to shape litigation strategy and team resourcing.

• Culture & Support: Supportive, collaborative working environment where individual judgment is valued, supported by dedicated secretarial and administrative staff.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.

Private Client Senior Associate (6+ PQE)

Location: Harrow Area

Salary: c.£75,000 – £95,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you an experienced Private Client Solicitor seeking high-net-worth estate planning instructions alongside a defined pathway to help lead and expand a thriving department? Our client is a prominent, well-established law firm in North West London with a highly regarded private client practice and a strong pipeline of quality work. Experiencing sustained expansion, they are seeking an ambitious Senior Associate (6+ PQE) to manage a complex, taxable estate caseload, cultivate strong client relationships, and step into a departmental leadership succession track.

The Opportunity

In this key senior fee-earning role, you will deliver bespoke asset protection and estate planning strategies to a diverse client base of high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and entrepreneurial families. Managing matters independently from initial instruction through to completion, you will oversee taxable probate administrations, trust creation and management, and cross-border wealth planning. Designed for an ambitious practitioner who wants more than a standard caseload, this position offers high operational autonomy, direct input into service delivery, and a clear, structured route to departmental leadership.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with a minimum of 6+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in private client law within a reputable UK private practice. STEP qualification (Full Member) or working towards is highly desirable.

• Complex Technical Mastery: In-depth expertise managing complex and taxable estate administrations, drafting bespoke wills and trust deeds, establishing tax-efficient succession plans, and advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

• Taxation & Asset Protection: Strong working knowledge of Inheritance Tax (IHT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), and asset protection structures specifically tailored for business owners and high-net-worth families.

• Client Care & Interpersonal Skills: Confident, empathetic, and articulate communication style with a proven track record of building trusted, long-term relationships with HNWIs and professional referrers.

• Leadership & Business Development: Commercially minded and solutions-focused approach with a proactive interest in practice development, networking, and a genuine ambition to help lead and mentor an expanding department.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £75,000 – £95,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a lucrative performance-related bonus scheme.

• Working Arrangement: Full-time, office-based role located in the Harrow area (North West London), fostering strong team collaboration and client engagement.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays, workplace pension scheme, payment of professional membership fees, and full CPD/STEP training support.

• Career Trajectory: Clear, structured pathway directly into a departmental leadership role as the practice continues to grow.

• Culture & Environment: Collaborative, supportive firm culture where strategic ideas are valued, supported by experienced secretarial and administrative staff.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without express consent.

Senior Associate – Private Client Law

Location: North West London (Harrow)

Salary: c.£65,000 – £85,000+ DOE/PQE + Head of Department Succession Track

Are you an ambitious Private Client Solicitor seeking high-net-worth estate planning instructions alongside a defined pathway to lead and grow a department? Our client is an established, highly regarded law firm in North West London (Harrow) with a stellar reputation across private wealth services. Experiencing sustained expansion, they are seeking a commercially minded Senior Associate (6+ PQE) with STEP qualification to manage a complex caseload, nurture long-standing client relationships, and step into a departmental leadership succession plan.

The Opportunity

In this key senior role, you will take direct responsibility for delivering bespoke asset protection and estate planning strategies to an established client base of high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and entrepreneurial families. Managing matters independently from initial consultation through to completion, you will oversee taxable probate administrations, trust structures, and cross-border wealth planning. Designed as a stepping stone to practice management, this position offers high operational autonomy, direct input into service delivery, and a clear, structured route to Head of Department and Partnership.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx with a minimum of 6+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in private client law within a reputable UK private practice. STEP qualification (Full Member) is required.

• Complex Technical Mastery: In-depth expertise handling taxable estate administration, drafting complex wills and trust deeds, establishing tax-efficient succession plans, and managing Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

• Taxation & Asset Protection: Strong working knowledge of Inheritance Tax (IHT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), and asset protection structures specifically tailored for business owners and high-net-worth families.

• Client Engagement & Mentoring: Confident, empathetic communication style with a proven track record of building trusted, long-term relationships with HNWIs, professional referrers, and wealth managers.

• Leadership & Business Development: Commercial mindset with a proactive approach to practice development, networking, and a genuine ambition to lead and mentor a growing private client sub-team.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £65,000 – £85,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

• Agile Working: Flexible/hybrid working arrangements supported alongside modern, well-located office facilities in Harrow, North West London.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, private medical insurance, workplace pension scheme, payment of professional fees (STEP, SRA), and full CPD support.

• Career Trajectory: Structured pathway directly into Head of Department and Partner roles, with full support to shape team strategy and expansion.

• Culture & Environment: Collaborative, supportive firm culture where strategic ideas are valued, supported by experienced secretarial and administrative staff.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.

Senior Associate – Commercial Property

Location: North West London (Harrow)

Salary: c.£65,000 – £85,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you an experienced Commercial Property Solicitor seeking high-calibre transactional work and genuine strategic input without the rigid hierarchy or bureaucracy of City firms? Our client is a highly regarded, forward-thinking law firm in North West London (Harrow) with a stellar reputation across commercial real estate. Experiencing sustained expansion, they are seeking a commercially minded Senior Associate (6+ PQE) to manage a diverse, high-quality property caseload, shape operational strategy, and fast-track their progression toward Partnership.

The Opportunity

In this key senior position, you will take lead responsibility for delivering sophisticated commercial property solutions to an established client base spanning corporate developers, retailers, property investors, and entrepreneurs. Managing transactions independently from initial instruction to completion, you will handle complex acquisitions, development site setups, real estate finance, and portfolio management. This role provides high operational autonomy, direct input into departmental systems and strategy, and a transparent pathway to Partnership for an ambitious practitioner.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx with a minimum of 6+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in Commercial Property within a reputable UK private practice.

• Transactional Real Estate Expertise: Proven track record independently managing complex commercial property transactions, including freehold/leasehold acquisitions and disposals, development site setups, option agreements, and multi-asset portfolio management.

• Landlord & Tenant & Finance: Comprehensive experience advising both landlords and tenants on commercial lease extensions, renewals, surrenders, and licenses, alongside acting for lenders and borrowers in property financing and refinancing.

• Title Investigation & Due Diligence: Advanced expertise conducting complex title investigations, property searches, drafting security documentation, and preparing comprehensive report on title documentation.

• Client & Business Development: Exceptional client-handling, drafting, and negotiation skills, with a proactive approach to nurturing key client accounts, generating referrers, and contributing to practice growth.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £65,000 – £85,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

• Agile Working: Flexible/hybrid working arrangements supported alongside modern, well-located office facilities in Harrow, North West London.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, private medical insurance, workplace pension scheme, payment of professional fees, and full CPD/training support.

• Career Trajectory: Structured, transparent Partnership pathway with direct opportunities to influence departmental growth, service delivery, and team strategy.

• Culture & Support: Collaborative, inclusive firm environment where individual ideas are valued and supported by dedicated secretarial and administrative staff.

How to Apply

To discuss this position in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.

Senior Commercial Litigation Solicitor

Location: Surrey

Salary: c.£70,000 – £90,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you an experienced Commercial Litigator seeking high-calibre, multi-jurisdictional disputes work outside the City, backed by a clear, defined trajectory to Partnership? Our client is a highly regarded, long-established law firm in Surrey with an outstanding reputation across commercial dispute resolution. Experiencing sustained expansion across their litigation practice, they are seeking an ambitious Senior Associate (6+ PQE) to manage high-value, complex commercial disputes, mentor junior team members, and drive departmental growth.

The Opportunity

In this key senior position, you will take direct responsibility for managing a diverse, high-profile caseload of complex civil and commercial litigation for a national and international client base. Handling all phases of litigation—from pre-action strategy and injunctive relief through to trial, appeal, and cross-border enforcement—you will act as a key adviser to corporate entities, directors, shareholders, and high-net-worth individuals. This role offers direct involvement in practice development, sub-team management, and a transparent pathway to Partnership for a commercial, ambitious litigator.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx with a minimum of 6+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) specializing in commercial litigation within a reputable UK private practice.

• Technical Mastery & Caseload Leadership: Proven track record independently managing complex commercial disputes, with specialist expertise in shareholder/director disputes, partnership dissolutions, breach of contract claims, corporate insolvency, and civil fraud.

• Multi-Jurisdictional Exposure: Strong understanding of comparative law, conflict of laws, and cross-border enforcement of foreign judgments.

• Court & ADR Advocacy: Exceptional strategic negotiation, written drafting, and trial preparation skills, with extensive experience representing clients in court hearings, mediations, and arbitrations.

• Team Leadership & Business Development: Demonstrated ability to mentor and supervise junior fee earners, combined with strong networking skills and a track record of business development (a portable client following is welcome but not essential).

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £70,000 – £90,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

• Agile Working: Modern hybrid working arrangements (flexible office/home split) supported alongside core office hours.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous annual leave allowance plus bank holidays, private medical insurance, workplace pension scheme, payment of professional membership fees, and full CPD funding.

• Career Trajectory: Defined, transparent Partnership pathway available for suitable candidates looking to step into practice leadership.

• Culture & Support: Collaborative, supportive team environment benefiting from dedicated secretarial support and steady cross-departmental referrals.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.

Senior Associate Contentious Probate & Trusts / Private Wealth Litigator

Location: Surrey

Salary: c.£70,000 – £90,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you an experienced Private Wealth Litigator seeking the autonomy to build and lead a dedicated Contentious Trusts & Estates sub-team within a premier regional practice? Our client is an established, highly regarded law firm in Surrey with a stellar reputation across Private Client and Dispute Resolution. Experiencing significant demand across their private wealth litigation division, they are seeking an ambitious Senior Associate (6+ PQE) to manage high-net-worth, complex disputes, lead sub-team growth, and step into a high-visibility leadership track.

The Opportunity

In this key senior position, you will take lead responsibility for managing high-profile contentious probate, estate, and trust matters for a diverse, national client base of high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and beneficiaries. Working closely with the firm's wider Private Client department, you will oversee all phases of litigation from inception through to trial or alternative dispute resolution (ADR), whilst mentoring junior fee earners and spearheading departmental business development. Designed for a technically exceptional litigator with commercial ambition, this role offers direct scope to shape and scale the firm’s contentious trusts offering.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx with a minimum of 6+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) specializing in contentious probate, trusts, and estate litigation within a reputable UK private practice.

• Technical Mastery & Caseload Leadership: Proven track record independently managing complex, high-value disputes—including validity challenges, testamentary capacity claims, Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 applications, breach of trust/trustee removal claims, proprietary estoppel, undue influence, and estate administration issues.

• Court & ADR Expertise: Exceptional advocacy and strategic negotiation skills with extensive experience representing clients in court hearings, mediations, and joint settlement conferences.

• Specialist Accreditations: ACTAPS membership (or working towards) is strongly preferred. Experience or working knowledge of Court of Protection disputes is highly advantageous.

• Sub-Team Leadership & BD: Ability to supervise, mentor, and delegate work to junior solicitors, combined with a track record of driving business development, networking, and cross-departmental referrals.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £70,000 – £90,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

• Agile Working: Modern hybrid working arrangements (flexible office/home split) supported alongside core office hours.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, private medical cover, workplace pension scheme, paid professional memberships (e.g., ACTAPS, STEP), and continuous CPD funding.

• Career Trajectory: Structured development pathway into Partner and Equity Partner positions within a supportive, expanding practice.

• Culture & Support: Collaborative, inclusive firm culture offering full administrative and secretarial support alongside steady internal referrals from a thriving non-contentious Private Client team.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.

Property Litigation Fee Earner (5+ PQE)

Location: Surrey

Salary: c.£60,000 – £85,000+DOE/PQE

Are you an experienced Property Litigation Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive seeking high-value, complex dispute work within a premier regional practice? Our client is a highly regarded, well-established law firm in Surrey with an outstanding reputation across contentious property matters. Experiencing sustained expansion across their dispute resolution department, they are seeking a skilled Property Litigation Fee Earner (5+ PQE) to take ownership of a varied caseload, leverage strong internal referrals, and step into a clear leadership pathway.

The Opportunity

In this key fee-earning role, you will advise a diverse client base—including commercial landlords, property developers, landowners, and high-net-worth individuals—on complex, technically challenging disputes. Working independently while collaborating closely with thriving Commercial and Residential Property teams, you will manage contentious matters from pre-action negotiations through to tribunal and court proceedings. This position offers exceptional caseload variety, strong internal fee-earning synergy, and clear, structured scope to progress into a Senior Associate or Partnership-track role.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx with a minimum of 5+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) specializing in property litigation within a UK private practice.

• Landlord & Tenant Disputes: Proven expertise in commercial L&T disputes (including 1954 Act lease renewals and dilapidations claims) alongside residential possession proceedings.

• Real Property & Adjoining Landowner Matters: Essential experience handling boundary disputes, trespass, private nuisance claims, and the enforcement of restrictive covenants or easements.

• Leasehold Enfranchisement & Development Work: Experience or strong working knowledge in long residential leasehold matters (lease extensions, freehold enfranchisement, Right to Manage) and property development disputes.

• Advocacy & Negotiation: Exceptional strategic negotiation, written communication, and advocacy skills, backed by robust case management and compliance proficiency.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £60,000 – £85,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a lucrative performance-related bonus scheme.

• Agile Working: Flexible working arrangements supported alongside modern, multi-office facilities across Surrey.

• Leave & Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, workplace pension scheme, and full CPD/professional development funding.

• Career Trajectory: Transparent progression framework offering direct routes to Senior Associate and department leadership roles.

• Culture & Support: Supportive, collaborative team culture benefiting from steady internal cross-referrals and dedicated secretarial support.

How to Apply

To discuss this position in complete confidence or request further details, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.

Private Client Solicitor (5+ PQE)

Salary: £55,000 – £75,000 + Bonus

Location: Surrey | High-Quality Caseload & Career Progression

Make a Meaningful Impact in a Trusted Private Client Team

Our client, a well-established and highly regarded law firm in Surrey, is seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor (5+ PQE) to join their respected team based in Dorking.

This is an excellent opportunity to handle a broad, high-quality caseload, working with a loyal client base while benefiting from a supportive, collaborative culture and clear career progression. The role is particularly suited to a solicitor who values long-term client relationships and delivering sensitive, high-calibre advice.

The Role – Trusted Adviser Across a Broad Private Client Caseload

You will take ownership of your own files while contributing to the continued development of the private client department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise clients on a wide range of private client matters, including:
  • Wills and estate planning
  • Probate and estate administration
  • Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
  • Trusts and inheritance tax planning
• Manage a full caseload independently, from initial instruction through to completion
• Draft and prepare wills, LPAs, trust deeds, and related documentation
• Oversee estate administration, including:
  • Applications for Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration
  • Liaising with HMRC on inheritance tax matters
  • Distribution of estate assets
• Deliver clear, empathetic and practical advice to clients, often in sensitive circumstances
• Ensure compliance with SRA regulations and AML requirements
• Maintain accurate and organised case management and file records
• Engage in ongoing professional development and stay abreast of legal updates

Candidate Profile – Skills & Experience Required

We are seeking a personable and technically proficient legal professional:

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx)
• Minimum 5 years’ PQE in private client work within a UK law firm (essential)
• Proven experience managing wills, probate, LPAs, trusts, and estate planning matters
• Strong understanding of inheritance tax and estate administration processes
• Proficiency with case management systems and Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex matters clearly
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted, long-term client relationships
• High levels of accuracy, organisation, and attention to detail
• A compassionate, professional approach with strong ethical standards

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary (£55,000 – £75,000 DOE)
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Generous annual leave + bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Ongoing training, CPD, and professional development support
• Clear career progression opportunities within a growing team
• Opportunity to work on a high-quality and varied caseload
• Supportive, team-oriented working environment
• Modern office

Career Progression

This role offers genuine opportunities for progression, with scope to develop into a senior position within the department. You will be supported in building your expertise, client base, and professional profile.

Apply Now – Confidential Discussion

To apply or discuss this opportunity in confidence, please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Take the next step in your private client career with a firm that values professional excellence, client care, and long-term development.

Confidentiality Notice:
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Our client’s identity will be disclosed during the recruitment process.

Private Client Solicitor (5+ PQE)

Location: Surrey (Cobham Area)

Salary: c.£60,000 – £80,000+ DOE/PQE

Are you a technically strong, empathetic Private Client Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive seeking a high-calibre caseload within an affluent Surrey practice? Our client is a highly regarded, long-established law firm in Cobham with an enviable local reputation. Experiencing continued growth across their private client division, they are seeking an experienced Solicitor (5+ PQE) to take full ownership of a broad, high-value caseload and foster long-term relationships with an established, loyal client base.

The Opportunity

In this key fee-earning role, you will deliver comprehensive, practical legal advice across the full spectrum of private client practice. Handling instructions independently from initial consultation through to completion, you will manage complex wills, probate, trusts, lasting powers of attorney (LPAs), and inheritance tax (IHT) planning for high-net-worth individuals and local families. This position offers direct client contact, high operational autonomy, and clear long-term scope to progress into a senior leadership position within the department.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Fellow of CILEx with a minimum of 5+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in private client law within a reputable UK practice. STEP qualification or membership is desirable but not essential.

• Technical Mastery: Proven track record managing complex estate planning, drafting wills and trust deeds, executing probate and estate administration, applying for Grants of Representation, and liaising with HMRC on IHT and capital gains matters.

• Client Care & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication skills with a compassionate, client-focused approach, able to deliver clear, sensitive guidance during complex family and estate discussions.

• Regulatory & Compliance: In-depth knowledge of SRA guidelines, AML requirements, and modern case management software to ensure accurate file administration.

• Practice Development: Proactive approach to business development, client retention, and expanding the firm's presence across Cobham and the wider Surrey market.

Package & Working Structure

• Competitive Remuneration: £60,000 – £80,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and technical background) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

• Working Arrangements: Flexible/agile working options supported alongside a modern, well-located office in Cobham.

• Leave & Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays, workplace pension scheme, and full CPD/professional development funding.

• Career Trajectory: Structured, transparent path for career advancement into Senior Associate and Partner-track roles within an expanding team.

• Culture: Collaborative, supportive working environment backed by experienced secretarial and administrative support.

How to Apply

To discuss this position in complete confidence or request further details, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

• Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.