Senior Associate / Partner Designate – Private Client
Private Client | Senior Associate / Partner Track | London & South East (Hybrid / Flexible)

We are working with a highly regarded, multi-office UK law firm with an established international presence, known for delivering exceptional client service to both individuals and businesses. The firm has a strong reputation in the Private Client space and continues to invest heavily in the growth of this practice.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Private Client lawyer (minimum 10 years’ PQE) to join at Senior Associate level, with a clear and realistic pathway to Partnership within 12–24 months for the right individual.

The role offers genuine autonomy, exposure to high-quality work, and the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future direction of the Private Client offering.

The Opportunity:

• Join a high-performing and well-established Private Client team
• Work with HNW and UHNW clients, including matters with a cross-border and multi-jurisdictional element
• A strategic hire with succession planning in mind
• Strong emphasis on business development, profile-building, and leadership
• Flexible working arrangements supported
• Some travel and occasional out-of-hours activity may be required for business development, networking, and client commitments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a senior member of the Private Client team, working closely with Partners
• Manage a complex and high-value caseload with minimal supervision
• Advise on:
• Inheritance Tax planning (including HNW/UHNW estates)
• Wills and estate planning
• Trusts
• LPAs
• Estate administration
• Care and later-life planning
• Play a leading role in business development, referrals, and relationship management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, intermediaries, and referrers
• Deliver against agreed financial and performance targets
• Supervise, mentor, and support the development of junior lawyers
• Ensure high standards of compliance, file management, and client care
• Contribute commercially and strategically to the growth of the department

Skills & Experience Required:

• Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent)
• Minimum 10 years’ PQE in Private Client work
• Strong technical expertise across the full spectrum of Private Client matters
• Experience working with HNW / UHNW individuals
• Proven contribution to business development and practice growth
• Commercially minded with leadership capability
• Confident communicator with excellent client-handling skills
• Comfortable operating at senior level with autonomy and accountability
• Experience using case management systems and standard legal tech

Key Competencies:

• Business development and relationship building
• Commercial awareness
• Delivering high-quality client service
• Strategic thinking
• Leadership and mentoring
• Collaboration and influence
• Decision-making under pressure
• Continuous improvement mindset

Reward & Benefits:
The firm offers a highly competitive remuneration package, reflecting the seniority and Partner-track nature of the role, including:

• Generous annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays
• Additional leave around the festive period
• Birthday leave
• Private healthcare options (with family cover available)
• Healthcare cashback schemes
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Life assurance (multiple of salary)
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Clear and supported route to Partnership

Why This Role?
This position will suit a senior Private Client lawyer who is commercially ambitious, enjoys building relationships, and is ready to take the next step toward Partnership in a supportive and well-structured firm.