Job Description
Private Client Solicitor (3+ PQE)
Salary: c. £50,000+ DOE
Location: Watford
High-quality caseload + real autonomy
If you’re a Private Client Solicitor who enjoys running matters properly, building trusted client relationships, and delivering technically strong work without cutting corners, this is a standout opportunity with our client in Watford. You’ll take ownership of a varied private client caseload, work closely with senior stakeholders, and have the platform to develop your expertise and progress longer-term.
The Role: Own a broad Private Client caseload (end-to-end)
You will be responsible for managing matters from instruction through to conclusion, maintaining excellent client care and contributing to the wider success of the department.
Core work will include:
- Probate and estate administration (including probate applications and full estate administration)
- Wills (from initial instruction through to execution)
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (instruction to registration)
- Inheritance Tax planning and implementation of appropriate arrangements
- Lifetime trusts, gifting, and deeds of variation
- Probate/estate administration matters involving infected blood clients
Client Care & Stakeholder Management
You’ll be trusted to deliver a consistently high standard of service and communication.
Key expectations include:
- Providing clear, accurate advice and regular updates to clients, beneficiaries, executors and relevant institutions
- Ensuring clients are kept informed even during quieter periods on files
- Maintaining confidentiality and security of all client and firm information at all times
Quality, Compliance & File Management
This role suits someone who takes pride in doing things properly and understands the importance of compliance.
You will:
- Ensure matter onboarding and documentation are completed in line with internal procedures
- Support billing processes and take appropriate steps to progress outstanding accounts when required
- Maintain compliance with relevant standards and guidance, including:
- SRA / Law Society professional conduct requirements
- Lexcel and internal office manuals/procedures
- Demonstrate working knowledge of Solicitors Accounts Rules and ensure billing/account handling aligns accordingly
Supervision & Development (where applicable)
Depending on your level, you may be involved in:
- Delegating appropriate work to trainees/junior team members
- Providing guidance and supervision to support development and training records
- Keeping your continuing competence and training requirements up to date
Requirements
To be considered, you should meet the following:
- Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX)
- Minimum 3 years’ PQE (or equivalent post-qualification experience)
- Strong UK private practice experience in Private Client matters
- Proven ability to manage files from inception to completion with minimal supervision
- Confident handling a busy and varied caseload with strong organisation and attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills and a client-first approach
- Strong IT capability, including confidence using legal case management systems and MS Office
Salary, Location & Working Arrangements
- Salary: £50,000+ (dependent on experience)
- Location: Watford, Hertfordshire
- Working arrangement: Office-based role in Watford (hybrid may be discussed depending on experience and team requirements)
Benefits (beyond hybrid working)
Alongside a competitive salary, you can expect a well-rounded package, typically including:
- Holiday allowance plus recognised public holidays
- Pension scheme
- Ongoing training and development to support continuing competence
- A supportive team environment with clear professional standards
- Career progression opportunities as the department grows (scope to take on greater responsibility and develop specialisms over time)
Apply: confidential conversation first
If this sounds like the kind of Private Client role where you can do high-quality work and genuinely build a long-term platform, let’s talk.
Please send your CV (or a brief summary of your current situation and what you’re looking for). We can arrange a confidential call to discuss fit, team structure, and progression.
Confidentiality: All applications and conversations will be handled in strict confidence.