Job Description

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.