Private Client Fee Earner

Role and Responsibilities

We are an ever-growing law firm with our head office in Blackburn. We have a great opportunity for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join our Private Client (Wills and Probate) department.

The role covers all areas of Private Client, to include Will drafting and advice, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Estate Administration, both Probate and Intestacy to include Inheritance taxable estates.

Essential:

• 2-4 years established experience in Private Client
• Ability to manage own case load with minimal supervision in accordance with firm procedures and processes
• Ability to conduct meetings with clients in a professional manner
• Ability to assess legal issues, advise and draft documents accordingly
• Ability to work independently and undertake file admin independently
• Ability to conduct legal research
• Ability to assist Head of Department with department growth to include development of long term client relationships and assisting and attending business development activities

Desirable:

• Experience in Trust Administration to include the set up of trust, taxation on trusts and HMRC’s Trust Registration scheme
• Experience in advising on high net worth matters to include tax mitigation

Home visits to see clients may be required so ideally someone who drives and has access to their own vehicle

Day to day duties:

• Attending upon clients to take instructions relating to Private Client matters and advising according to the circumstances
• Setting up case files
• Running case files from start to completion
• Drafting documents to include detailed attendance notes, letters to clients, Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorneys, Inheritance Tax paperwork, etc, and ensuring the files comply with the law in this area and the firm procedures.
• Executing documents with clients
• Billing files
• Some networking will be included in the role, as and when required.

Key skills and abilities

• Competent use of Microsoft office and Excel
• Competent use of a Case Management System, preferably Proclaim
• Confident telephone manner
• Able to use initiative and work as a team member
• To assist and work appropriately and considerately with other fee earners and support staff
• To attend and participate in any meetings of the department or the firm when required

Competence & Development

• Maintain knowledge and skills in relevant practice area(s) keeping up to date with relevant legislation and case law
• Ensure continuing competence through identifying and addressing any learning needs
• To participate in and engage with supervision in respect of your work
• Maintain a good knowledge and understanding of IT systems with a proactive approach to the introduction of new systems

Compliance

• Act in accordance with the proper professional standards and regulations of the Solicitors
• Regulation Authority, and all other relevant bodies
• To follow all policies and procedures contained within the Office Manual
• To identify and report any risks to the COLP, COFA or Money Laundering Reporting Officer where necessary