Private Client Solicitor

Scott Richards Solicitors is a respected Devon-based practice with a genuine commitment to providing thoughtful, bespoke legal advice to private clients who value both expertise and accessibility. We believe that excellent legal work shouldn't demand the sacrifice of work-life balance, and that philosophy sits at the heart of everything we do.

We're seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor to join our established team and take ownership of our wills, probate and estate administration work. This is a rare opportunity to build a fulfilling practice within a firm that has deliberately structured its working week around quality of life-our full-time staff work just 29 hours per week, typically across four days. For someone with 5+ years' PQE who values both professional autonomy and genuine flexibility, this represents a genuinely different proposition in the current legal market.

You'll spend your days advising clients on testamentary planning, guiding executors through probate processes, and managing the often intricate details of estate administration. This isn't assembly-line work; each client file is treated with the care it deserves, and you'll have the scope to develop deep client relationships and see matters through from initial instruction to final reporting of accounts. You'll work largely independently on your own caseload, but within a collegial environment where partners and colleagues are available when you need input or a sounding board.

As you progress with us, there's genuine opportunity to shape the direction of the Private Client practice, mentoring junior staff, or moving towards partnership consideration. Progression here is based on the quality of your work and your ability to build and maintain strong client relationships-measured both through client feedback and sustainable billing capacity. Your salary will reflect your contribution and track record accordingly.

This role suits someone who is professionally conscientious, self-motivated, and wants to practice law at a measured, purposeful pace without the intensity that characterises larger city firms.