Overview
St Helens Law Ltd (SHL Solicitors) are seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor/Fee Earner or STEP-qualified practitioner with a minimum of 2 years’ PQE to join our expanding Private Client department. The ideal candidate will have significant experience managing complex probate matters, high-value estates, intestacy applications, and trusts administration, and will be confident supervising junior team members.
This role offers excellent autonomy, a supportive environment, and genuine progression opportunities within a respected firm.
Key Responsibilities
Probate & Estate Administration
· Manage your own high-quality caseload of probate and estate administration files from initial instruction to final distribution.
· Prepare and submit applications for Grants of Probate and Grants of Letters of Administration, including estates involving tax, foreign assets, business property, or agricultural relief.
· Handle intestate estates and complex asset tracing issues.
· Draft accurate and comprehensive estate accounts, including interim and final accounts.
· Advise executors, administrators, trustees, and beneficiaries on procedural and tax matters.
· Liaise with HMRC, financial institutions, estate agents, accountants, and other third parties.
Wills, Trusts & Lifetime Planning
· Draft Wills, Codicils, Deeds of Variation, and Letters of Wishes, including for complex family structures and tax-efficient planning.
· Provide advice on inheritance tax mitigation, exemptions and reliefs, and estate planning strategies.
· Prepare and register Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection deputyship applications.
· Support elderly and vulnerable clients with sensitivity and professionalism.
Client Care & Compliance
· Deliver exceptional client care with clear communication and a proactive approach.
· Ensure files are managed in compliance with SRA Code of Conduct, AML requirements, and internal risk management processes.
· Utilise case management systems effectively (Proclaim experience advantageous).
· Supervise, mentor, and support junior members of the team when required.
Essential Skills & Experience
· Minimum 3+ years’ PQE as a Private Client Solicitor/Fee Earner or a fully or part-qualified STEP practitioner.
· Extensive experience handling complex estates, trusts, and probate applications.
· Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation.
· Excellent drafting and communication skills.
· Experience supervising junior staff or willingness to take on supervisory responsibilities.
· Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
· Compassionate and professional approach when dealing with sensitive matters.
Desirable Skills & Qualifications
· Full STEP qualification (STEP) or advanced-level study (STEP Advanced Certificates).
· Knowledge of BPR, APR, Estates containing foreign assets, Trust tax returns and ongoing trust compliance
· Experience assisting with contentious probate issues (non-essential).
· Willingness to contribute to departmental growth and business development activities.
What We Offer
· Competitive salary depending on experience.
· Hybrid working options and flexibility around agreed office days (once probation has passed)
· Supportive working environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
· Access to ongoing professional development, including STEP support where applicable.
· Access to specialist private client conferences and webinars.
· Friendly and collaborative team culture.
· Free car parking
· Company Pension Scheme
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Work Location: In person
