New Job Opening: Private Client Senior Associate in London, UK

Job Description

Private Client Senior Associate (5+ PQE)

Location: Central London (Zone 1)

Salary: £85,000 – £100,000+ DOE/PQE

Transparent Partnership Track & Hybrid Working

Are you a accomplished Private Client Senior Associate seeking direct, structured equity partnership progression within a top-tier London practice? Our client is an esteemed, highly ranked law firm in Central London with a stellar international reputation for advising high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, family offices, and business owners. Experiencing continued growth across their private wealth practice, they are seeking an ambitious, technically elite Senior Associate (5+ PQE) to manage high-value estates, mentor junior fee earners, and spearhead practice expansion—with a transparent, accelerated track to Partner.

The Opportunity

In this pivotal senior role, you will take lead fee-earning responsibility for an enviable portfolio of domestic and cross-border private clients, trusts, and landed estates. Working with high operational autonomy alongside senior partners, you will deliver sophisticated legal and tax-structuring advice across complex estate administrations, onshore/offshore trust arrangements, and succession planning. Designed for a commercially minded practitioner with a proven client footprint, this position offers direct leadership scope, modern hybrid flexibility, and a defined equity pathway within a collaborative Zone 1 environment.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• 
  

  Qualifications & Experience: Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with a minimum of 5+ years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) specializing in private client law within a reputable UK or International practice. Full STEP accreditation (or near completion) is highly advantageous.

  
  


• 
  

  HNW & Cross-Border Technicals: Extensive expertise in advising HNW/UHNW individuals on complex Wills, asset protection, UK tax mitigation (IHT and CGT), cross-border estate planning, and foreign asset considerations.

  
  


• 
  

  Trusts & Estate Administration: Comprehensive track record establishing, structuring, and administering complex onshore and offshore trusts, family investment companies (FICs), and high-value probate matters.

  
  


• 
  

  Supervision & Team Leadership: Proven capacity to supervise, mentor, and review the technical output of junior associates, trainees, and paralegals within the team.

  
  


• 
  

  Business Development: Established network and proactive approach to capturing new instructions, building intermediary relationships (accountants, wealth managers, private banks), and driving practice revenue.

  
  

Package & Working Structure

• 
  

  Competitive Remuneration: £85,000 – £100,000 base salary per annum (commensurate with PQE and client development background) plus a lucrative performance-related bonus.

  
  


• 
  

  Direct Partnership Route: Transparent, meritocratic progression framework offering explicit metrics for elevation to Partner.

  
  


• 
  

  Agile Working Model: Modern hybrid structure supporting up to 3 days working from home per week (minimum 2 days in the Central London Zone 1 office).

  
  


• 
  

  Comprehensive Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and dedicated wellbeing days, private medical insurance (PMI), enhanced workplace pension contributions, payment of professional fees (SRA, STEP), and full CPD support.

  
  


• 
  

  Culture & Environment: Inclusive, supportive, and social office culture offering high-calibre work without traditional city friction.

  
  

How to Apply

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

• 
  

  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.