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Swinburne Maddison

Senior Private Client Lawyer

Durham, Durham
Posted about 18 hours ago
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Introduction

About us

We’re Swinburne Maddison, a modern law firm rooted in traditional values like trust, care, collaboration, and agility. These principles have guided us for over 25 years, and they remain at our core. As an award-winning firm, we proudly build on our rich heritage while adapting to the evolving needs of our clients. We’re committed to doing things the right way, putting people first and delivering exceptional service.

Life at Swinburne Maddison is all about growth, opportunity, and being surrounded by great people. We believe in pushing boundaries, fostering talent, and creating an environment where people thrive. In 2025, we were 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 role

We are seeking a talented and driven Senior Private Client Lawyer to join our dynamic team and deliver expert legal advice across a wide spectrum of private client matters. You’ll be working alongside lawyers, well known for their technical excellence and commitment to outstanding client service.

You’ll be involved in:

  • Advising on, implementing and running complex wills, lifetime trusts, deeds of variation, powers of attorney, and estate administration.
  • Lifetime Inheritance Tax planning and taxation of trusts and estates.
  • Family/wealth protection and strategic planning.
  • Probate and estate administration.
  • Elderly client and capacity issues.
  • Court of Protection matters. (Desirable)
  • Trust creation and administration.

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£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your 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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It searches the market for you

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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.

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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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Only hits

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This role provides the opportunity to work on complex estates and trusts for individuals, rural and agricultural estates, landowners and business owners across the North East and UK.

Required experience, skills and attributes

We’re looking for a qualified lawyer with demonstrable experience in private client law.

Here’s what we’d love you to bring to the table:

  • Commercial awareness: You understand the realities of private client work and the pressures facing individuals, families, and business owners.
  • Proactive mindset: You take initiative, manage your own time well, and are keen to take ownership of your work. You’re curious, resourceful, and ready to grow your career in private client law.
  • Attention to detail & technical excellence: You take pride in precision, whether drafting wills, trusts, or advising on complex estate matters.
  • Strong communication: You’re articulate, empathetic, and professional, able to build trust with clients and colleagues alike.
  • Organisation skills: You’re comfortable managing multiple matters and deadlines, even when priorities shift.
  • Team player attitude: You enjoy collaborating with others, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a supportive, high-performing team.

We are proud of our team’s STEP qualifications and would be interested in hearing from those who are STEP qualified, working towards STEP qualification, or interested in pursuing it.

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Closing Date

25 September 2026

Employee benefits

We care about our people. When you join Swinburne Maddison, you’re not just stepping into a job - you’re joining a team that genuinely wants you to enjoy your work, build your career and feel supported along the way.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

  • Hybrid working options after three months (work-life balance matters!)
  • Flexible working options for the days where you may need some extra time
  • A competitive salary tailored to your experience
  • Clear career progression with a published professional development plan
  • Generous holiday allowance plus the option to buy extra days
  • Pension salary sacrifice scheme to help your money go further
  • Health cashback plan to claim back the cost of everyday healthcare
  • Perkbox membership – packed with discounts, freebies, and wellness perks
  • Enhanced family leave to support you through life’s important moments
  • Death in service benefit for peace of mind
  • A friendly, down-to-earth team that really values collaboration and support
  • Collaborative working in a flexible and forward-thinking environment
  • Free car parking – subject to availability

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Skills

Private client law
Wills
Lifetime trusts
Deeds of variation
Powers of attorney
Estate administration
Inheritance tax planning
Wealth protection
Probate
Elderly client issues
Capacity issues
Court of protection
Commercial awareness
Drafting
Communication
Time management

Location

County Durham, England, United Kingdom

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