Solicitor - Private Client (1-3 PQE)

Wedlake Bell's highly regarded Private Client Group (Legal 500, Chambers ranked, and a STEP Employer Platinum Partner) are recruiting a Solicitor (1-3 PQE) to expand the team and continue to deliver the high standards of service we offer to our clients.

The Private Client Group (PC) consists of six distinct and successful teams – Onshore, Offshore (International), Disputes, Art & Luxury, Family, and Residential Property. Our clients range from HNW and UHNW individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs, stewards of landed estates, charitable trustees, executors, amongst others. Wedlake Bell has one of the longest-standing and most trusted Private Client practices in the City, and we pride ourselves on our relationships and reputation with our clients.

This Solicitor role sits primarily within our PC Onshore team (though you will work closely with colleagues across the Onshore, Offshore, and PC Disputes teams on a daily basis) delivering advice on a range of matters including high-value tax and estate planning for individuals and trustees, UK and cross border estate administration, elderly and vulnerable client work, and philanthropy, to name a few. You will receive first-class mentorship and training from our partners, as well as have the opportunity to work directly with our clients.

This is an excellent opportunity for a driven Private Client Solicitor (1-3 PQE) to join a thriving PC practice dealing with a variety of high-level work, where you will have real opportunities to develop your expertise and professional development. If this sounds interesting, and you have a background in private client work, we encourage you to apply.

Find out more about our wider Private Client practice here.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Working on a range of private client matters, including:
  • Drafting wills and providing ancillary advice to clients to help implement their succession planning strategies;
  • Assisting with the provision of UK tax and estate planning advice to UK HNW clients with a focus on Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax planning;
  • Administering estates (both UK and cross border) which will include having day-to-day day conduct of estate administration matters under appropriate supervision;
  • Drafting Lasting Powers of Attorney;
  • Assisting with the creation and administration of trusts;
  • Advising Trustees and Beneficiaries on both contentious and non-contentious trust matters;
  • Supporting the Partners in the Disputes team in advising clients on probate claims to include claims under the Inheritance, (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, undue influence, proprietary estoppel; and
  • Supporting the Partners in the Offshore team in providing legal and tax advice to international private clients.
• Acting as the day-to-day contact for advising clients on ongoing or new matters; and
• Developing the team's practice by promoting the firm and its work, both to existing and potential clients.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working in a recognised private client practice, ideally working with HNW or UHNW clients within the UK (international experience is beneficial but not required);
• At least 1-3 years PQE advising on private client matters;
• Be a qualified Solicitor in England & Wales;
• Ideally STEP qualified (or willing to undertake STEP qualification);
• A clear and developed understanding of private client law and its commercial application;
• Strong client relationship and business-development skills;
• Strong academic history and ability to "think outside the box" and analyse; and
• A high level of professionalism and integrity.

Why join us?

• A competitive starting salary and bonus;
• comprehensive pension plan;
• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
• Enhanced parental leave policies;
• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.