Job title: Senior Associate / Partner - Private Client Law
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Legal
Sub-Functional Expertise: 5 Year PQE Director/Partner Senior Associate / Solicitor
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £160,000.00
Location: London, UK
Job published: 2026-04-20
Job ID: 59450
Contact name: David Hawthorne-Finch
Phone number: +443339962882
Contact email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Job Description

Private Client Senior Associate / Partner (5+ PQE)

Location: London

Salary: £80,000–£160,000 (DOE / Folllowing) + Bonus Potential + Clear Route to Partnership

If you’re a Private Client lawyer who’s built trust, repeat instructions, and a genuine reputation in the market, this is a rare chance to step into a senior platform where your practice is valued and supported. Our client is looking for a high-calibre Senior Associate or Partner-level hire to strengthen their Private Client offering in London, with the autonomy to shape the team and a genuine opportunity to progress.

The Opportunity

This is a senior hire into an established Private Client practice with the backing to grow. You’ll have the freedom to run your matters, develop client relationships, and play a key role in the wider direction of the department.

Key Responsibilities

  • Managing a broad range of Private Client matters including:
    • Wills and estate planning
    • Probate and estate administration
    • Trusts (creation, administration, and advice)
    • Inheritance Tax planning and related advisory work
    • Lasting Powers of Attorney
  • Building and developing client relationships and referral networks
  • Supporting and mentoring junior lawyers (where applicable)
  • Contributing to business development and the growth of the Private Client practice
    (Note: this role is not heavily focused on Court of Protection work.)

Requirements (What Our Client Needs)

To be considered, you should have:
  • 5+ years’ PQE in UK Private Client work (Senior Associate / Partner level considered)
  • Strong technical capability across core Private Client matters (as above)
  • A demonstrable following and/or portable practice (this can be a developing client base, referral network, or consistent originations — it does not need to be a “book” in the traditional sense, but it must be tangible)
  • Excellent client handling skills and a relationship-led approach
  • Confidence operating with autonomy and senior stakeholder exposure

Salary, Benefits & Working Arrangements

  • Salary range: £80,000–£160,000 (dependent on level, following, and overall profile)
  • Bonus / additional earnings: available and discussed on a case-by-case basis
  • Working arrangement: London-based role with flexibility (hybrid working available, subject to the needs of the practice and client commitments)
  • Benefits package: expected to include a strong mix of:
    • Generous annual leave entitlement
    • Pension contribution
    • Private medical cover (or equivalent)
    • Professional fees / practising certificate support
    • Structured progression (including a clear pathway to Partnership for the right individual)
    • Additional benefits to be confirmed at shortlist stage

Career Progression

This opportunity suits someone who wants more than “another senior role”. Our client is open-minded on level and will consider:
  • Senior Associates seeking a defined route to Partnership, with support to grow their practice
  • Existing Partners looking for a stronger platform, better support, or a fresh London opportunity

Apply / Enquire (Confidential Conversation)

To apply or to have a confidential discussion before sending a CV, contact:
 
David Hawthorne-Finch
d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
 
If you’d like to explore this discreetly, please email with your current PQE, a brief overview of your Private Client focus, and a high-level summary of your following/portable practice.