The Role
We are currently recruiting for a Private Client lawyer based in our new Witham office. The Witham office is in a highly visible position in a retail area attracting a high footfall of potential new clients. The office will provide a full service to our individual (private) clients and business clients. You will be guided and assisted by our large marketing team but will have considerable involvement in marketing initiatives. As the sole Private Client lawyer servicing the community locally, you will enjoy a wide variety of quality Private Client matters. Our aim is to grow the Private Client work in Witham with the aim of adding a junior fee earner for you to manage once you have established yourself in the role.
Our Private Client team has a very proactive approach to service delivery, using Case Management systems for estate administration and Will production. Very many administrative and drafting tasks are carried out by Legal Assistants and paralegals. You will have a proven track record in delivering expert legal advice and high service levels to clients, whilst working independently on your own caseload.
The Day to Day:
- To advise clients and follow their instruction in respect of Wills, LPAs and estate administration.
- Conduct initial meetings with clients, thereafter delegating as appropriate to the paralegals and Legal Assistants on our Probate Administration Team and our Wills and LPA Team.
- Having oversight of the progression of all cases and meeting with paralegals and Legal Assistants.
- Providing legal and technical input as required in respect of your ongoing matters.
- Attending supervision sessions with the head of department.
- Develop and maintain relationships with clients and with other professional contacts
- Working with the marketing team to develop marketing strategies and assisting in the production of marketing materials.
- Attending networking and business development events.
- Supervise secretarial and other support staff assigned to carry out support tasks in the Private Client Department.
What experience do I need?
You must be a Solicitor or Legal Executive with at least 3 yrs PQE. You must be able to demonstrate:
- Experience of drafting wills and Powers of Attorney and running your own caseload
- A solid understanding of administering estates
- Experience in providing Inheritance Tax Planning advice would be an advantage.
What skills should I have?
- Must possess the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels
- Must be able to impart key information in a manner which is easily understood
- Self-motivated, organised with the ability to prioritise and manage own workload.
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
- Proactive thinker.