Job Title – Private Client Solicitor/Fee Earner or STEP-Qualified Practitioner (3+ Years PQE)
Location: St Helens, Merseyside
Contract: Full-time, 5 days per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid working available after passing probation
Overview
St Helens Law Ltd (SHL Solicitors) are seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor/Fee Earner or STEP-qualified practitioner with a minimum of 3 years’ PQE to join our expanding Private Client department. The ideal candidate will have significant experience managing complex probate matters, high-value estates, intestacy applications, and trusts administration, and will be confident supervising junior team members.
This role offers excellent autonomy, a supportive environment, and genuine progression opportunities within a respected firm.
Key Responsibilities
Probate & Estate Administration
- Manage your own high-quality caseload of probate and estate administration files from initial instruction to final distribution.
- Prepare and submit applications for Grants of Probate and Grants of Letters of Administration, including estates involving tax, foreign assets, business property, or agricultural relief.
- Handle intestate estates and complex asset tracing issues.
- Draft accurate and comprehensive estate accounts, including interim and final accounts.
- Advise executors, administrators, trustees, and beneficiaries on procedural and tax matters.
- Liaise with HMRC, financial institutions, estate agents, accountants, and other third parties.
Wills, Trusts & Lifetime Planning
- Draft Wills, Codicils, Deeds of Variation, and Letters of Wishes, including for complex family structures and tax-efficient planning.
- Provide advice on inheritance tax mitigation, exemptions and reliefs, and estate planning strategies.
- Prepare and register Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection deputyship applications.
- Support elderly and vulnerable clients with sensitivity and professionalism.
Client Care & Compliance
- Deliver exceptional client care with clear communication and a proactive approach.
- Ensure files are managed in compliance with SRA Code of Conduct, AML requirements, and internal risk management processes.
- Utilise case management systems effectively (Proclaim experience advantageous).
- Supervise, mentor, and support junior members of the team when required.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Minimum 3+ years’ PQE as a Private Client Solicitor/Fee Earner or a fully or part-qualified STEP practitioner.
- Extensive experience handling complex estates, trusts, and probate applications.
- Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation.
- Excellent drafting and communication skills.
- Experience supervising junior staff or willingness to take on supervisory responsibilities.
- Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
- Compassionate and professional approach when dealing with sensitive matters.
Desirable Skills & Qualifications
- Full STEP qualification (TEP) or advanced-level study (STEP Advanced Certificates).
- Knowledge of BPR, APR, Estates containing foreign assets, Trust tax returns and ongoing trust compliance
- Experience assisting with contentious probate issues (non-essential).
- Willingness to contribute to departmental growth and business development activities.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary depending on experience.
- Hybrid working options and flexibility around agreed office days (once probation has passed)
- Supportive working environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Access to ongoing professional development, including STEP support where applicable.
- Access to specialist private client conferences and webinars.
- Friendly and collaborative team culture.
- Free car parking
- Company Pension Scheme