Senior Associate – Private Client

Overview

In this role you join DWF’s Private Capital team to advise HNW and UHNW individuals and families on sophisticated wealth planning, estate administration, and succession matters. You will work with a trusted group of specialists to shape wealth solutions, support growth of the Private Client practice, and provide high-quality, client-centric service across complex wealth structures. The position offers direct client contact, opportunities to mentor junior lawyers, and a hybrid working arrangement in Manchester or Birmingham.

Pay / Benefits

• equal opportunities
• inclusive environment
• career progression opportunities
• hybrid working
• supportive culture
• adjustments or additional support available

Responsibilities

• Advise HNW/UHNW individuals, families and business owners on private client and wealth planning matters
• Provide strategy on estate planning, succession planning and wealth preservation
• Draft and advise on complex wills, including trusts and business assets
• Prepare Lasting Powers of Attorney and other lifetime planning arrangements
• Administer taxable and high-value estates; handle complex matters
• Assist with inheritance tax planning, capital gains implications, and gifting strategies
• Establish, administer and restructure trusts; advise trustees
• Support family investment and wealth-holding structures
• Manage Court of Protection matters, including deputyship applications
• Collaborate with HMRC, accountants, tax advisers and other professionals to coordinate solutions
• Contribute to growth and direction of the Private Client practice
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and team members

Key requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with private client experience advising HNW/UHNW individuals and families
• Strong technical expertise in wills, trusts, estate administration, inheritance tax planning, LPAs and Court of Protection
• Experience handling complex, high-value estates with business, agricultural, investment and property assets
• Strong client relationship management skills and commercial advisory approach
• Ability to manage a busy, varied caseload with high service standards
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to build trusted client relationships
• Experience supervising and developing junior fee earners
• STEP qualification desirable but not essential

• strong client relationship management
• commercial mindset
• excellent communication
• wills and succession planning
• trusts and estate administration
• inheritance tax planning

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