*Location: *Weymouth / Dorchester
*Overview: *
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Private Client Lawyer to join our busy Wills & Probate team. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of private client matters, including wills, probate, estate administration, trusts, and lasting powers of attorney. They will deliver an efficient, high-quality service to our clients at what is often a sensitive and difficult time.
*Key Tasks:*
* Manage a varied caseload of private client matters including:
* Drafting wills and codicils
* Estate and probate administration
* Trust creation, administration, and advice
* Preparing and registering lasting powers of attorney
* Court of Protection applications
* Tax and estate planning advice (where appropriate)
* Provide clear, empathetic, and practical legal advice to clients, ensuring exceptional client care at all times.
* Liaise with executors, trustees, beneficiaries, financial advisers, and other professionals to progress matters efficiently.
* Draft and review legal documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
* Dealing with a variety of problems and tasks that occur, some of which can be resolved quickly, others which need more consideration and planning
* Dealing with client matters from file opening to file closing, ensuring that the firm’s procedures are followed and standards maintained, seeking advice or assistance from Directors or supervisors promptly as required.
* Maintain accurate file management, time recording, billing, and financial management of files.
* To be proactive in respect of continuing competence and to ensure this requirement and any other training needs are met.
* To keep up to date with changes in the relevant area of practice and any wider formal guidelines relating to practice.
* Supervising and supporting junior staff
*Key Skills & Experience*:
* Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (5+ Years PQE)
* Proven experience in handling a broad range of private client matters independently.
* Strong technical knowledge of wills, probate, estate administration, trusts, lasting powers of attorney, and Court of Protection work.
* Familiarity with inheritance tax planning and trusts
* Excellent client care skills with the ability to communicate sensitively and clearly, often with clients in difficult circumstances.
* Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
* Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a supportive team.
* Proficiency in case management systems and Microsoft Office application
*Desirable*
* STEP-qualified, or working towards a STEP qualification
* Experience of supervising or mentoring junior colleagues.
* Business development skills and the ability to build local networks.
*What We Offer*
* Competitive salary
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Pension scheme.
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
* Supportive team culture with opportunities to progress.
* Access to medical cash plan
* Hybrid working
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dorchester DT1 2PG
