Private Client Lawyer

Location: Orpington, Sevenoaks, Gravesend or Biggin Hill
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Working Pattern: Office Based
Experience: 1+ Year PQE

About the Role

We are recruiting for an experienced Private Client Lawyer to join a well-established and highly regarded multi-office law firm with locations across Kent and South East London.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Solicitor looking to take ownership of a varied and interesting private client caseload while developing their career within a friendly, supportive and progressive firm.

The successful candidate will enjoy genuine file ownership, direct client contact and the opportunity to work across a broad range of private client matters. There will also be scope to supervise and mentor junior colleagues, with clear progression routes towards Senior Associate, Department Head and Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied private client caseload from instruction through to completion.
• Advise on Wills, Probate and Estate Administration, LPAs and Deputyships, Trusts, Estate and Succession Planning and Inheritance Tax planning.
• Handle Court of Protection matters where appropriate.
• Take ownership of files and provide clients with clear, practical and compassionate advice.
• Build strong and trusted relationships with clients and relevant external professionals.
• Supervise and mentor junior members of the team.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and Directors across the firm’s offices.
• Use the firm’s web-based Case Management System to progress matters and maintain accurate records.
• Ensure timely billing and support effective cash collection through clear client communication.
• Contribute to marketing and business development activities to help grow the department’s profile.
• Maintain up-to-date legal knowledge through ongoing training and professional development.

About You

To be considered for this position, you will ideally have:

• Qualification as a Solicitor in England & Wales.
• A minimum of 1 year’s PQE.
• Experience independently managing a full private client caseload.
• Strong experience across Wills, Probate, Trusts, LPAs/Deputyships and Inheritance Tax matters.
• Excellent communication and client-care skills.
• The ability to provide clear, sensitive and practical advice, particularly when dealing with clients at difficult or emotional times.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good IT skills and confidence using or learning case management systems.

Desirable Experience

The following would be advantageous but is not essential:

• STEP membership, or currently working towards STEP qualification.
• Experience dealing with complex estates and trusts.
• Court of Protection experience.
• Experience of tax-efficient estate and succession planning.
• Previous experience within a Lexcel-accredited or similarly accredited law firm.

Why Apply?

This firm offers an excellent combination of high-quality private client work, genuine responsibility and long-term career progression.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary, reviewed annually.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Clear salary banding aligned with experience.
• Genuine progression opportunities to Senior Associate, Department Head and Director.
• Regular career development conversations.
• Structured training and support with professional qualifications.
• Good holiday allowance.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Life Assurance.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Assistance with childcare costs.
• Opportunity to benefit from the Company Car Policy after one year’s service.
• Discounted legal services for you and your family.
• Regular social events and cross-office knowledge sharing.
• Modern, air-conditioned offices.
• Excellent administrative support and paper-light working systems.

The Firm

You’ll be joining a close-knit and collaborative firm with a reputation for providing high-quality legal services exclusively to private-paying clients.

The firm has low staff turnover and places a strong emphasis on creating a supportive environment where people can develop their expertise and progress their careers.

The role can be based at Orpington, Sevenoaks, Gravesend or Biggin Hill, with collaboration between the firm’s offices.

Interested?

Apply today through Kingsgate Recruitment for a confidential discussion about the opportunity.  If you would prefer to speak to the team, please call on [phone removed]