New Job Opening: Private Client Lawyer (3+ PQE) in Cheam

Job Description

Private Client Solicitor / Lawyer (3+ PQE)

Location: Surrey

Salary: £48,000 – £70,000+ DOE/PQE

Part-Time Options Available

Are you an ambitious Private Client Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive seeking a varied, high-calibre caseload within a Legal 500-ranked practice without commuting into Central London? Our client is an award-winning, highly respected law firm in Surrey recognised across private client, tax, and estate planning law. Experiencing continued growth across their practice group, they are seeking a client-focused Solicitor or CILEx Fellow (3+ PQE) to manage complex private client matters, drive departmental initiatives, and advance their career within a supportive, forward-thinking environment—with full flexibility to support full-time or part-time working arrangements.

The Opportunity

In this key fee-earning position, you will join an established, highly ranked private client team advising individuals, families, business owners, and high-net-worth clients across Surrey. Managing files independently from instruction through to completion, you will provide tailored advice spanning wealth protection, estate administration, and mental capacity matters. Designed for a proactive practitioner who values client care and technical standards, this position offers high operational autonomy, agile/hybrid working, and a structured, transparent pathway to Senior Associate level.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

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  Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) or Chartered Legal Executive (FCILEx) with a minimum of 3+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in private client law within a reputable UK private practice.

  
  


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  Wills & Tax Planning: Comprehensive experience drafting simple to complex Wills, structuring lifetime trusts, and advising on Inheritance Tax (IHT) mitigation, Capital Gains Tax (CGT), and wealth protection strategies.

  
  


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  Probate & Estate Administration: Proven capability in handling taxable and non-taxable estate administrations from initial application to distribution, including complex cross-border assets and trust structures.

  
  


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  Powers of Attorney & Mental Capacity: In-depth knowledge of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), Deputyship applications, Court of Protection (CoP) proceedings, and elderly client care best practice (STEP or SFE qualification/membership is desirable).

  
  


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  Client Care & Quality Compliance: Exceptional interpersonal and empathetic communication skills, with experience maintaining Lexcel/ISO regulatory and risk compliance standards while actively fostering referrer networks.

  
  

Package & Working Structure

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  Competitive Remuneration: £48,000 – £70,000 base salary per annum (pro-rata for part-time, dependent on PQE and technical background) plus a performance-related bonus scheme.

  
  


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  Flexible Working Structure: Open to both full-time and part-time applicants, supported by hybrid working arrangements.

  
  


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  Comprehensive Benefits: Workplace pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance plus bank holidays, payment of professional membership fees (SRA, CILEx, STEP), and full continuous professional development (CPD) funding.

  
  


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  Career Trajectory: Defined progression framework with clear metrics for stepping into Senior Associate and Associate Partner roles.

  
  


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  Culture & Environment: Collaborative, friendly, and progressive team culture backed by dedicated legal secretarial and administrative support.

  
  

How to Apply

To discuss this position in complete confidence or request a full position profile, please contact David Hawthorne-Finch directly:

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  Email: [email protected]

  
  

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. All applications and enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence, and candidate details are never shared without prior express consent.