Hays
Associate Solicitor - Private Client

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Your new firm
Our client is a highly regarded regional law firm with a strong reputation for private client work across the South Coast. Recognised for the quality of its tax, trusts and estate planning practice, the firm advises high-net-worth individuals, families, trustees and business owners on a wide range of complex succession and wealth preservation matters.
Your new role
An excellent opportunity has come up for an Associate Solicitor to join a well-established Tax & Estate Planning team. Working closely with an experienced team of private client specialists, you will advise on a broad range of matters including estate administration, wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts and inheritance tax planning. You will manage your own caseload while building strong client relationships and contributing to the continued growth and success of the department.
The role offers exposure to high-quality and often complex private client work, including advising on trust structures, succession planning, inheritance tax and capital gains tax issues, as well as drafting a variety of trust and estate planning documentation. You will also have the opportunity to support and mentor junior members of the team and play an active role in business development and networking initiatives.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be a qualified Solicitor with strong experience across private client matters, particularly wills, trusts, probate and estate planning. Whilst the firm is ideally seeking candidates with around 5 years' PQE or more, applications are welcomed from candidates with slightly less experience who have gained exposure to complex private client work within a recognised tax and trusts practice.
You will possess a strong understanding of wills, lasting powers of attorney, trust law and inheritance tax planning, together with a good working knowledge of capital gains tax, income tax and stamp duties. Excellent drafting skills, strong technical ability and a commercial approach to problem solving are essential. STEP qualification would be highly advantageous, although candidates working towards the qualification will also be considered.
What you'll get in return
You will join a highly respected private client team offering high-quality work, excellent career progression prospects and the opportunity to work alongside recognised specialists in tax and estate planning. The role provides exposure to complex and rewarding matters, the opportunity to develop supervisory responsibilities and the chance to play a key role in the continued expansion of a successful practice. A competitive salary and benefits package is also on offer.


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What you need to do now
If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to discuss it further, please get in touch for a confidential conversation.
If this role is not quite right, but you are considering a move within private client, tax or trusts law, we would still be happy to hear from you. Applications are welcomed from candidates outside the suggested PQE range who can demonstrate the relevant skills, experience and potential.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
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