Senior Private Client Solicitor (Associate / Senior Associate)
Durham | 5+ PQE

I’m currently working with a highly regarded and award-winning North East law firm that is looking to appoint a Senior Private Client Solicitor (Associate / Senior Associate level) to join its expanding team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside lawyers recognised for their technical excellence and commitment to exceptional client service. In 2025, the firm was named Law Firm of the Year at the Northern Law Awards, with four teams ranked Tier One in The Legal 500 and 22 lawyers individually recognised.

The firm has a strong reputation across the North East and nationally for advising individuals, rural and agricultural estates, landowners and business owners on complex private client matters.

The Role This position offers exposure to high-quality, complex work across the full spectrum of private client services. You’ll play a key role in advising, implementing and managing sophisticated estate and wealth planning structures while developing long-term client relationships.

You will be involved in:

• Drafting and advising on complex wills
• Creating and administering lifetime trusts
• Deeds of variation and powers of attorney
• Probate and estate administration
• Lifetime Inheritance Tax planning
• Taxation of trusts and estates
• Family and wealth protection planning
• Elderly client and capacity matters
• Court of Protection work
• Trust creation and ongoing administration

The work includes advising on substantial estates and trusts, including rural and agricultural estates, landed interests and owner-managed businesses.

About You I’m keen to speak with qualified lawyers with 5+ years’ PQE and strong demonstrable experience in private client law.

You will ideally bring:

• Strong technical expertise in wills, trusts, probate and estate planning
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the challenges facing individuals, families and business owners
• A proactive, organised approach with the ability to manage your own caseload effectively
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail
• Empathetic and confident communication skills, with the ability to build lasting client relationships
• A collaborative mindset and desire to contribute to a high-performing team

The team is proud of its STEP qualifications and would welcome applications from those who are STEP qualified, working towards qualification, or keen to pursue it.

The Opportunity This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Associate or Senior Associate to join a forward-thinking firm that genuinely invests in its people and offers high-quality work, strong career progression and a supportive culture.

If you’re looking to take the next step in your private client career within a leading regional firm, I’d be delighted to speak with you in confidence.

For a confidential chat, contact Beth Livings at QED Legal via the details below.