Solicitor - Private Client

Are you a Solicitor specialising in Private Client looking for a new opportunity in the West Midlands? Please read on...Our Legal 500 top-tier Private Client team are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Solicitor (c.3-5 years PQE) to join them.As a Solicitor within this STEP Platinum accredited team, you will offer high-quality legal services to clients on all aspects of wills, trusts, and probate work. You will already have strong client and file management skills and sound technical knowledge and will be looking to take on a new challenge in an ambitious but approachable and supportive team. What you will be doing:Drafting and advising on both basic and more complex trusts, whether created by will or by lifetime gift, including reviewing existing trusts and will structures.Administering estates and trusts ranging in levels of complexity.Completing IHT 100 and 400 forms competently and confidently.Providing advice to clients on all aspects of estate administration.Provide advice in respect of all capital taxes (and income tax in estates and trusts).Producing accounts for estate and trusts. Drafting and filing income tax returns for estates and trusts.Promoting the private client practice with clients and contactsRunning a personal business development plan, driving business development within the team and supporting other teams with business development and selling.Carrying out legal research.Drafting and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney.Registering Enduring Powers of Attorney.Drafting documentation for trusts, including declarations of trust, trustees minutes and deeds of appointment and retirement. Drafting wills.Running management of affairs files where a partner or our Trust Corporation is appointed Attorney or Deputy.Completing applications to the Court of Protection to include the appointment of deputies.Introducing new clients from own marketing efforts and combining with other team members in marketing efforts.What you will need:A solid background in a wide range of Private Client work, with a particular interest or experience in trusts, tax, or acting for business owners. A desire to learn and expand technical knowledge, with the tenacity and drive to seek to give high-quality advice to clients on complex and simple matters alike. Exceptional client service skills, a caring attitude with a desire to take your responsibilities to our clients seriously, carrying out your role with a high standard of honesty and integrity.A personable, approachable demeanour and with a genuine interest in dealing with individuals and their families and building long-term relationships with clients.A desire work as part of a team, helping others progress and achieve goals and sharing knowledge. Experience of running your own client meetings with confidence. Experience of preparing estate and trust accounts and tax returns (a competent working knowledge of Excel), with a good level of numeracy. Good team working across the Private Client team and other disciplines.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, being able to adapt your style to communicate effectively with a wide range of clients and fellow professionals.A high degree of initiative and the ability to cope in a demanding environment.A desire to enhance client relationships through day-to-day activity.Excellent organisational and time management skills.The ability to manage your own files effectively, take responsibility for the progression of client matters and quality of service. Experience of providing costs estimates for work and of manging billing, costs reviews and driving cash collection with clients. Benefits, Agile Working and Additional InformationWe embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work.We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it.We have hubs in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Southampton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln and Sheffield.Want to find out more about our amazing benefits?Please be aware, for some vacancies, where we receive high numbers of applications we may need to bring the close date forward.Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted. Details of the checks can be found here.Equal opportunitiesShakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.About Shakespeare MartineauWelcome to Shakespeare Martineau, where we're more than just a full-service law firm. With over 1100 specialists, including lawyers and business support professionals, we're committed to unlocking potential in our people and clients, inspiring confidence, growth, and development. Our purpose is clear: we provide creative solutions and advice that help individuals and businesses achieve their commercial and personal goals. But what truly sets us apart is our focus on building lasting relationships and championing our clients, ensuring they receive the best possible business and personal advice. At Shakespeare Martineau, it's our people who make us special. We understand what our team members want and give them the support they need to succeed. Recognising everyone's contribution and harnessing the unique power of teams, we work together to achieve success. Diversity is at the heart of our firm. We actively build and develop diverse teams, bringing together different backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives to deliver amazing solutions for our clients. We believe in playing to our strengths, constantly striving to improve, and empowering our teams with individual responsibility for their own learning and growth. Join us at Shakespeare Martineau and become a valued member of a team where we unlock your potential, appreciate your contributions, and achieve success together. As part of Ampa, we are part of a large multi-brand group, all of our brands are linked by a shared purpose and set of values that brings about a positive, inclusive and diverse work culture helping everyone achieve their ambitions.