Senior Associate - Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts

Department

Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts (North)

Location

Sheffield

Description

We are currently seeking to recruit an experienced Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts Senior Associate to join our established Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team in the North, based at our Sheffield office. The successful candidate will possess substantial post-qualification experience and the ability to manage a complex caseload with minimal supervision, while contributing to the Firm’s strategic objective of growing and developing the department.

The role involves responsibility for a significant and varied caseload of Wills, Probate, Tax and Trust matters, including the administration of high-value and complex estates. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high-quality legal advice and exceptional client service, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and client care at all times.

You will liaise directly with clients, professional contacts and third parties, building and maintaining strong working relationships and ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and effectively. In addition, the role requires providing technical guidance, supervision and ongoing support to more junior members of the team, assisting in their professional development and ensuring the continued delivery of excellent service standards across the department.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a proactive and collaborative approach, together with a strong client-focused ethos and a willingness to support colleagues and contribute positively to the wider team.

This is a full‑time position reporting directly to the Head of Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts (North).

Key Responsibilities

Fee‑Earning

• Manage a varied caseload of Wills, Probate, Tax & Trust matters, including the following activities:
• Providing general advice to clients on all aspects of Wills, Probate, Tax & Trust processes;
• Preparing all types of Wills;
• Dealing with high‑value estate administration;
• Inheritance tax planning;
• Advising on risks of death, divorce, or bankruptcy in respect of lifetime gifting;
• Setting up and administering trusts;
• Supporting senior members of the team on more complex matters;
• Providing technical support and supervision to junior fee‑earners, including allocation and sign‑off of work where required;
• Ensuring matters are kept up to date within relevant systems and developments are communicated appropriately;
• Recording all time in the Tikit system, including non‑billable activities;
• Supporting departmental audits as required;
• Taking on additional tasks as reasonably required by the Head of Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts (North).

Assisting Management

• Attend monthly fee‑earner meetings and contribute as a senior member of the team;
• Attend regular one‑to‑one meetings with the Head of Department to report on departmental priorities and financial performance;
• Work proactively with the Head of Department to support team performance and development;
• Monitor team capacity and assist with effective delegation of work where required.

Business Development

• Take an active role in managing the client experience and attend client meetings where necessary;
• Support the renewal process for existing clients to ensure a proactive and seamless approach;
• Prepare and deliver external training sessions for prospective and existing clients;
• Contribute to business development initiatives and report on related activity to senior management.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Be a qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with significant experience running your own Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts files with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Possess exceptional client care skills.
• Be highly motivated and able to add value to the role.
• Be able to demonstrate proactive management of matters.
• Possess networking and client development skills.

Disclosure will be required in the event that a position is offered.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus potential
• Life insurance
• Great working environment at our Derby head offices
• Career development opportunities
• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Options to buy & sell 1 week’s holiday
• 1 week’s holiday carry over
• Extra day off for your birthday
• Staff card discount scheme for local shops
• Social days and evenings on the firm
• Monthly food on the firm for all staff
• Staff discounts on legal services

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