Where you will work
Established in 1984 and located in the heart of the City our Exeter office has evolved into a full-service law firm and the first point of call for many corporate and individual clients in the South West and beyond.
Our Exeter office is home to a team of 157 staff, led by 24 partners. Our locally based lawyers have a deep understanding of what matters to clients in the South West. In turn, our clients choose us for our high levels of service, expertise, and value for money we can offer by utilising our regional teams.
We have an enviable reputation for bringing public, private and charity sectors together in innovative joint ventures. Our in-depth understanding of the public sector and the rules and regulations it operates within, as well as the commercial drivers for our private sector clients, means we can find practical and workable solutions, and do so efficiently and economically.
The Team
We work with a wide range of families, individuals, trustees, and those in the private wealth advisory sector. Each is unique, but what they all share is the need for practical advice to enable them to plan for the future and tackle arising challenges.
The team currently consists of 2 partners, 7 solicitors, 3 legal executives and 7 paralegals.
We have a proven track record of providing first class training and support to assist individuals in reaching their career goals.
The Role
As our department continues to grow, we have an opportunity for an Associate / Senior Associate to join the team in Exeter.
Acting for individuals, companies and trusts both in the UK and internationally, we undertake all types of private client work including the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Domestic Trusts, Probate and income and capital tax planning. Internationally, we advise on residence and domicile planning and structuring both inbound and outbound.
What you will be doing
The successful candidate will be expected to advise clients in the following areas:
- Estate and asset protection planning;
- Drafting wills including tax efficient wills and those incorporating trusts;
- Creation of onshore trusts including drafting and advising;
- Probate planning and Estate Administration;
- Powers of attorney;
- Court of Protection matters;
- Supervision, training and development of junior legal staff.
- Pro-active participation in marketing initiatives;
- Efficient file management skills and ensuring files are managed in compliance with Lexcel procedures;
- Participating in firm-wide and departmental training sessions;
What you will need
The firm has a Career Development Framework which sets out the competencies we expect of those at the Associate grade. In particular for this role we require:
- Previous experience of the above matters;
- Proven ability to take on responsibility and manage files;
- Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with at least 6 years PQE in private client work;
- STEP member or working towards a STEP qualification is strongly desired;
- Excellent technical skills and innovative approach to their application;
- Client management experience to include a good understanding of the financial disciplines required to be a successful fee earner;
- Strong client focus and a commitment to service delivery;
- Drive and enthusiasm;
- An interest in marketing;
- Ability to prioritise work effectively and meet deadlines;
- Good communication skills both oral and written;
- Commercial awareness and excellent financial management;
- Flexibility and commitment;
- A strong team player with an ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels;
- Credibility;
- A positive and proactive attitude;
- Solid academic record.
