Private Client Solicitor (Wills and Probate)

Our client is a well-established law firm with over 30 years experience. It has a national reputation for excellence in the Property sector and strength in depth in a wide selection of other legal services for businesses & individuals. There are 5 offices in Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham, London and Devon. Davies and Partners Solicitors strongly believe that their staff are the heart of the company and are therefore driven to ensure that all employees experience and maintain a good work-life balance.

Job Purpose

To be a point of contact for all private client related enquiries received by any office but primarily for Gloucester, including internally referred work from other departments, whilst maintaining client care to the highest standard.

This role reports to the Legal Director and Head of Private Client (Wills and Probate) in the Bristol office.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• To carry out day to day conduct of Private Client files and responsible for all aspects of work connected with Private Client
• To be willing to handle queries from the company s other offices with the possibility of travelling to those offices from time to time.
• To be confident in handling a wide range of Private Client issues including (but not limited to); Wills, Probate, LPA's, Trusts, Estates, Tax, Court of Protection
• To work to strict deadlines in a pressurised but friendly environment.
• To liaise with support staff in a positive and proactive manner.
• To liaise with the Legal Director on financial budgeting and training requirements/opportunities.
• To achieve legitimate billing in line with figures to be agreed with the Legal Director.
• To assist senior members of the Department with substantial case files and to exhibit flexibility, particularly in times of holiday/sickness.
• To apply proper professional standards. Gaining an awareness of the provisions of the office manual and observing best practice in the prevention of claims against the company for professional negligence and in particular operating with a high degree of personal organisation.
• To demonstrate an awareness of clients needs and perceptions to the discharge of your work for them and to act promptly, pro-actively and efficiently in relation to all client matters.
• To comply with all other departmental procedures including the regulation and control client indebtedness.
• To maintain accurate electronic and paper-based records for clients.
• To act as a positive ambassador for Davies and Partners Solicitors.
• To actively participate in the business development of the department.
• To undertake appropriate and relevant staff development on a regular basis.

Requirements

Personal Specification

Legal Status:

• Appropriate DBS disclosure will be required prior to confirmation of appointment
• Right to live and work in the UK e.g. valid UK or EU passport or appropriate visa/work permits

Education/Qualifications:

• Registered Solicitor that complies to the SRA standards or FCILEX
• 2 years + PQE
• Ideally STEP qualified

Skills/Knowledge:

• Experience working as a Private Client. Solicitor in a fast-paced environment
• Self-organised and proactive.
• A willingness to undertake business development initiatives is essential. This may include preparing articles for local publications and website, as well as engaging in networking events.
• Ability to take responsibility and solve problems.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• Adaptable to the needs of the business as changes occur during the operational requirements.
• Competent in the effective use of Information and Communications Technologies (lCT).
• The ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

Benefits

Competitive + Benefits Package

Office Hours

Full or part-time hours of work can be negotiated. Full-time hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am 5:30pm (with 1 hour unpaid lunchbreak)