Senior Associate - Private Client

Job description

Senior Associate – Private Client

Location: Bristol

Partner Track (12–24 Months)

We are instructed by a highly regarded, multi-office UK law firm with a strong national and international presence. The firm is recognised for delivering exceptional service to high-net-worth individuals, families and business owners, and continues to invest strategically in the growth of its Private Client practice.

This is a succession planning opportunity for an experienced Private Client Solicitor (10+ years’ PQE) to join at Senior Associate level with a clear, structured and realistic pathway to Partnership within 12–24 months. The successful individual will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the Bristol Private Client offering, working alongside an established and well-respected leadership team.

The Opportunity:

• Join a high-performing and well-established Private Client team
• Advise HNW and UHNW individuals, families and business owners
• Exposure to complex cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters
• Strategic hire aligned to long-term succession planning
• Significant autonomy and client ownership
• Strong emphasis on business development, leadership and profile-building
• Flexible working arrangements supported

This role offers both high-quality technical work and a platform for progression.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a senior member of the Private Client team, working closely with existing Partners
• Manage a complex, high-value caseload with minimal supervision
• Advise on:
• Inheritance Tax planning (including complex HNW/UHNW estates)
• Wills and estate structuring
• Trust creation, restructuring and administration
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Estate administration and probate matters
• Later-life and succession planning
• Lead business development initiatives and referral relationships
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, intermediaries and professional referrers
• Contribute to departmental strategy and growth planning
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers
• Deliver against agreed financial and performance targets
• Maintain high standards of compliance, file management and client care

Skills & Experience Required:

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent)
• Minimum 10 years’ PQE specialising in Private Client work
• Strong technical expertise across the full spectrum of Private Client matters
• Demonstrable experience advising HNW and UHNW clients
• Proven contribution to business development and revenue generation
• Commercially astute with leadership capability
• Confident operating with autonomy and accountability
• Strong client-handling and communication skills
• Comfortable contributing strategically at senior level

Reward & Benefits:

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

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-related bonus
• Generous annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays
• Additional leave over the festive period
• Birthday leave
• Private healthcare (family cover available)
• Healthcare cashback scheme
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Life assurance (multiple of salary)
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Clear, structured and supported pathway to Partnership

Why This Role?

This opportunity will suit a commercially ambitious senior Private Client lawyer who is ready to step into a strategic leadership position with a defined route to Partnership. It offers the chance to combine high-quality work, client ownership and long-term progression within a supportive and forward-thinking firm.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Greater Bristol Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

05-03-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English