Private Client Solicitor

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:

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.