Private Client Solicitor/Legal Executive (2+ PQE) at eNL Legal Recruitment

For legal professionals specialising in private client work, the announcement of a new role at a well-regarded firm in Staffordshire is more than just another job posting—it is a strategic opportunity to cement a career in one of the most personally rewarding areas of law. The Private Client Solicitor/Legal Executive (2+ PQE) position, advertised through eNL Legal Recruitment, offers a competitive salary of approximately £45,000, extensive benefits, and the chance to thrive within a compassionate, community-focused Wills & Probate department. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the role, the skills that will make candidates stand out, and the career trajectory that private client law can unlock.

Why Private Client Law Is a Career Cornerstone

Private client law is often described as the ‘human face’ of legal practice. Unlike high-stakes corporate litigation or complex commercial transactions, private client work revolves around life’s most intimate and significant milestones: drafting a parent’s will, administering an estate after a loved one’s death, creating a trust to protect a vulnerable family member, or preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney for an ageing client. It is a discipline that demands not only technical precision but also deep emotional intelligence, patience, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts with empathy and clarity.

In the United Kingdom, the demand for skilled private client lawyers has never been higher. An ageing population, changing family structures, and evolving tax legislation have all contributed to a surge in wills, probate, and estate planning matters. For ambitious solicitors and legal executives, this means a stable, intellectually stimulating, and financially rewarding practice area. The Staffordshire role is emblematic of this broader trend, offering the successful candidate the chance to manage a varied caseload while contributing to the department’s future growth.

“This role is about more than just technical expertise, it is about being a trusted adviser to individuals and families at key life moments.”

The job advertisement, as posted by eNL Legal Recruitment, underscores a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the ethos of private client work: empathy, client focus, and professional confidence. These are not just buzzwords—they are the qualities that distinguish an average lawyer from a truly exceptional one.

Inside the Staffordshire Wills & Probate Department

While the name of the employing law firm remains confidential, the advertisement provides vivid details about the team’s culture and expectations. The Wills & Probate department is described as playing a “vital role in supporting the community” and is known for its “professionalism and compassion.” This suggests a firm with strong local roots, a loyal client base, and a commitment to treating clients as individuals rather than case numbers.

The successful candidate will manage their own caseload of private client matters, including:

• Wills: Drafting and executing wills for clients with varying degrees of asset complexity.
• Probate: Administering estates, dealing with HMRC, and distributing assets in accordance with the deceased’s wishes.
• Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs): Preparing property, financial affairs, health, and welfare LPAs to safeguard clients’ future autonomy.
• Trusts: Creating and managing trust structures for inheritance tax planning and asset protection.

Beyond casework, the role carries a supervisory component. The advertisement explicitly mentions the need to “supervise and mentor secretarial and junior fee earning staff,” as well as to “ensure accurate billing, time recording and credit control.” This dual focus on technical delivery and team development makes the position ideal for a lawyer who is ready to step into a leadership role without fully leaving the fee-earning frontline.

The salary of around £45,000, coupled with extensive benefits, is competitive for a 2+ PQE role in the Staffordshire market. Benefits likely include pension contributions, private healthcare, generous holiday allowance, and flexible working arrangements—though the precise package would be confirmed during the application process. The emphasis on “work-life balance” in the advertisement suggests a firm that values its people and understands the need to sustain a healthy professional and personal equilibrium.

Building a Career Trajectory: From Associate to Trusted Adviser

Taking on this role is not merely about filling a vacancy—it is about making a strategic move in one’s career. For a lawyer with two or more years of PQE, this position offers a natural step up from a strict case-handling role into one that combines technical expertise, supervision, and business development. The advertisement notes that “there will be opportunities to contribute to the department’s future growth,” which signals that the successful candidate will have a voice in shaping the direction of the team.

In the wider context of the UK legal market, private client work offers a resilient and future-proof specialism. Even in times of economic uncertainty, individuals still need to plan for their families’ futures. Moreover, the introduction of the new Probate Rules in 2024 and ongoing reforms to lasting powers of attorney have made the area more complex and, consequently, more reliant on skilled practitioners. By staying abreast of these regulatory changes, a private client lawyer adds immense value to their firm and enhances their own employability.

For those with aspirations to become a partner or to lead a department, this role is a stepping stone. The supervisory responsibilities expose the candidate to performance management, training, and operational oversight—skills that are essential for any future leadership role. Additionally, the business development element allows the lawyer to demonstrate their ability to attract and retain clients, a key criterion for partnership reviews.

How to Position Yourself as the Ideal Candidate

If this opportunity has caught your attention, you should move quickly and strategically. The advertisement notes that eNL Legal Recruitment aims to respond to all applications within seven days, and the role has already attracted early interest. Here is a step-by-step approach to crafting your application:

1. Tailor your CV: Highlight your experience in wills, probate, LPAs, and trusts. Quantify your achievements—for example, the number of matters concluded, the value of estates administered, or any successful tax-planning outcomes.
2. Write a compelling cover email: Since the application process is handled by recruiter Theresa Lucas, a concise yet powerful email can make a strong impression. Emphasise your empathy, client care philosophy, and readiness to supervise junior staff.
3. Prepare evidence of business development: Be ready to discuss how you have contributed to growing a private client practice, whether through networking, referrals, or community engagement.
4. Demonstrate regulatory awareness: Mention your knowledge of the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s guidance on wills and probate, and any recent updates to inheritance tax or lifetime gifts.
5. Showcase your mentoring skills: Provide examples of how you have previously trained or supported less experienced colleagues.

The interview process will likely focus on scenario-based questions, so rehearse your responses to situations involving difficult family disputes over estates, vulnerable clients, and ethical dilemmas. The firm wants a lawyer who is technically sound but also approachable—someone who can hold a grieving widow’s hand while meticulously assessing assets.

Beyond the Job Description: Skills That Set You Apart

In a competitive market, it is often the ‘soft skills’ that differentiate candidates. The advertisement explicitly calls for an empathetic, client-focused individual, but what does that look like in practice?

• Active listening: Private clients often arrive with complicated emotional and family histories. The ability to listen without judgment and distill the essential legal issues is priceless.
• Clear communication: Legal jargon is a barrier, not a tool. The best private client lawyers translate complex provisions into plain English, ensuring clients are empowered to make informed decisions.
• Time management: With a mixed caseload and supervisory duties, the ability to prioritise tasks will be essential.
• Commercial awareness: Billing targets, file profitability, and client retention are all part of the modern fee-earner’s world. Expressing enthusiasm for these metrics will show that you are not merely a technician but a business partner.

Equally important is your ability to work within the firm’s culture. Staffordshire is a county with a strong sense of community, and the firm’s reputation appears to be built on enduring, personal relationships. A candidate who demonstrates local affinity or a commitment to regional client service may have an edge.

Preparing for the Future of Private Client Practice

The legal landscape is evolving, and private client law is not immune to change. Digital wills, blockchain-based asset management, and artificial intelligence–driven document drafting are becoming part of the conversation. While these technologies may streamline certain processes, they cannot replace the nuanced judgment of a qualified lawyer. Thriving in this role means embracing technology as a tool to enhance client service while retaining the human touch.

Moreover, the growing emphasis on mental capacity law means private client lawyers must collaborate increasingly with healthcare professionals, social workers, and financial advisers. A role like this one, which already involves supervising a team, prepares the incumbent for the interdisciplinary nature of modern practice.

The eNL Legal Recruitment advertisement is clear: the firm is looking for someone who will contribute to the department’s “continued success.” This is an invitation to join a team that is not stagnant but ambitious. For the right candidate, it could be the beginning of a long and fulfilling career.

FAQs

1. What qualifications are strictly required for this Private Client role?

The essential requirement is that applicants must be a qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with at least 2 years of post-qualification experience (PQE) in private client matters. Specific expertise in Wills, Probate, LPAs, and Trusts is necessary, along with an empathetic and client-focused approach. Supervisory experience is desirable but not necessarily mandatory.

2. How do I apply, and what is the application deadline?

Applications are handled directly by Theresa Lucas at eNL Legal Recruitment. You can call her on 0121 454 1004 or email your CV to theresa.lucas@enllegal.co.uk. The job reference is 215304843. There is no explicit deadline listed, but the posting indicates the role has been live for two days and early applications are encouraged. eNL aims to respond within 7 days.

3. Is there a salary and benefits package?

The advertised salary is circa £45,000 per annum, plus extensive benefits. While specific benefits are not detailed, typical packages include pension, private healthcare, life assurance, and flexible working options. The role is full-time and permanent, with a Seniority level of Associate.

4. Will the successful candidate be expected to help grow the department?

Yes, the advertisement explicitly states that “there will be opportunities to contribute to the department’s future growth.” This includes supporting the promotion and business development of the department and helping to supervise and mentor junior staff. The successful candidate is seen as a potential leader within the Wills & Probate team.