Senior Private Client Solicitor

• Only 3 chargeable hours per day — genuine work/life balance, not just marketing spin
• Complex HNW private client work without the pressure and politics of city-centre firms
• Clear route to Senior Associate, Legal Director or Partnership within a growing team

A lot of senior private client lawyers eventually reach the same point: the quality of work is still good, but the pace, pressure and constant billing expectations start to outweigh the enjoyment of the job itself.

This Yorkshire-based opportunity offers a different balance. You’ll still handle complex, high-value private client work — HNW estates, trusts, succession planning and taxable estates — but within an environment that has built its reputation around flexibility, sustainability and genuinely looking after its people.

The immediate need is for someone experienced enough to step straight into a busy caseload and become a senior technical presence within the team. You’ll work closely with established referrers, including IFAs and other law firms, while also supporting trainees and mid-level lawyers as the department continues to grow.

What makes the role particularly attractive is that it offers the quality and complexity of city-centre work without many of the downsides that come with it. There’s far more breathing room built into the structure of the team — fewer client appointments each day, realistic targets and proper flexibility around hybrid working and hours. The expectation isn’t that you’re constantly “on”; it’s that you deliver excellent work sustainably over the long term.

The culture itself is collaborative, approachable and refreshingly down-to-earth. Leadership is highly respected, progression is transparent rather than political, and the firm has developed a strong reputation for retaining good people because they genuinely enjoy working there.

For someone who still wants stimulating, technically strong private client work but in a healthier and more balanced environment, this is a particularly compelling option.

Who we’re looking for

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with 8+ years’ PQE in private client law (E)
• Strong experience handling complex and HNW estates (E)
• Excellent technical knowledge across wills, probate, trusts and tax planning (E)
• Experience advising on succession planning and trust matters (E)
• Strong client care and relationship management skills (E)
• Collaborative and supportive approach to mentoring junior colleagues (E)
• STEP qualified or working towards STEP (D)
• Experience from a city-centre or large regional private client team (D)
• Comfortable with networking and relationship-building activity (D)
• Ambitious but values work/life balance and long-term sustainability (E)

What you’ll be doing

• Managing a varied, high-quality private client caseload independently
• Advising on wills, probate, trusts, succession planning and estate administration
• Handling complex HNW and taxable estate matters
• Acting as a senior technical point of contact within the team
• Supporting and mentoring trainees and junior solicitors
• Building relationships with IFAs, accountants and other external referrers
• Supporting business development and the continued growth of the department
• Helping shape the long-term future direction of the team

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary with flexibility for the right senior candidate
• Bonus scheme including 10% of billings above target
• Additional £750 team bonus when departmental targets are achieved
• Only 3 chargeable hours per day target
• Hybrid working with up to 2 days from home
• Flexible start and finish times
• Compressed hours considered
• Genuine work/life balance with manageable client appointment structure
• Clear progression pathway through to Senior Associate, Legal Director or Partner
• Award-winning employer and nationally recognised workplace culture
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Birthday off
• 3 additional Christmas closure days
• Healthcare scheme and pension
• STEP support and ongoing professional development
• Free parking at all offices
• Regular wellbeing and social events

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood
View email address on realmrecruit.com
View phone number on realmrecruit.com

Bill specialises in private client and Court of Protection recruitment across Yorkshire and can give you a clear picture of how this role compares to others currently on the market.