Solicitor Private Client 0-3 PQE

Our busy Private Client department, which is led by our STEP qualified Partners across Scotland, are recruiting for a Solicitor (0-3 years PQE) to join their team in Edinburgh.

The role will involve working in collaboration with our Family, Corporate, Real Estate and Residential Property teams across Scotland to deliver a complete service to our clients.

The position will allow opportunity for career progression within our Specialist Private Client team for individuals who demonstrate a willingness and ability to maintain good client relationships, work with specialists across the Firm and participate in business development. For those not already STEP qualified, who may wish to become qualified, the Firm operate a Funded Learning Scheme.

The successful candidate will enjoy a high level of client and team interaction, personally managing a varied caseload of Private Client work. We act for a range of clients, including individuals, trustees and executors from all over Scotland and beyond.

About Us

Aberdein Considine is an award-winning law firm and this is a great opportunity to work in an innovative, challenging and rewarding work environment. In return for your hard work, you will be paid a competitive salary, receive an excellent benefits package and be part of a generous incentive and bonus scheme.

Role of Department

• Provide Executry Services to clients.
• Provide Estate Planning Advice (covering Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Asset Protection & Tax Mitigation) to clients.
• Provide support to branch network in Private Client matters.

Job Purpose

• To manage a varied personal caseload of Private Client work.
• To support qualified solicitors and other fee-earners within the department.
• To carry out administrative functions within the department. 

Key Responsibilities

To attend to all day-to-day aspects of the administration of estates:-

• Meeting clients to take instructions, including explaining the executry process generally.
• Communicating with other professionals, financial institutions, and service providers.
• Investigating assets in executry estates.
• Framing estate Inventory and Inheritance Tax forms; Meeting clients to explain and review same.
• Realisation of estate assets, including obtaining payment of cash balances and transfer of assets to beneficiaries.
• Accounting to executors and beneficiaries.
• Distribution of estates to beneficiaries.
• Open communication with clients throughout, including provision of regular, unprompted updates.

Examining titles, advising and preparing deeds of evacuation of survivorship destinations.

Developing knowledge of trusts and working toward preparation of trust deeds and trust minutes and developing knowledge of trust tax.

Preparing Wills and Powers of Attorney:-

• Meeting clients to take initial instructions on Wills and Powers of Attorney.
• Drafting Wills and Powers of Attorney in line with instructions.
• Meeting clients to review and execute documents.
• Identifying potential complexities and obtaining guidance from more experienced or senior colleagues as appropriate.

Undertaking legal research and reporting / presenting findings to partners and fee-earners.

Pro-active management of individual caseload.

Cross-selling of legal, property and financial services.

Working with partners and fee-earners to review existing policies, practices and precedents. 

Qualifications

Essential

LLB degree in Scots Law

Diploma in Professional Legal Practice

Skills and Experience

Essential

• NQ to 3 years PQE in Private Client work.
• Competent IT skills
• Good communications skills
• Strong organisational skills

Desirable

Experience of using case management software.

Knowledge

Essential

Good understanding of the executry process and succession law.

Desirable

Understanding of different types of financial products. 

Succession Law having been studied at Honours level.

General legal knowledge spanning other practice areas.

Aptitudes

Essential

• A professional and sympathetic approach to dealing with clients during sensitive periods.
• Ability to work to strict timescales and deadlines.
• Attention to detail.
• A team player.
• Ability to problem solve and see ‘bigger picture’.
• Commercial awareness.