Private Client Principal Associate

Job title

Private Client Principal Associate

Department

Private Client - Wealth

About Higgs

Our vision is to be the independent regional law firm of choice, recognised for having a positive long-term impact upon its people, its clients, its business partners and its community.

When it comes to our people, the team is everything at Higgs – an environment of sharing and collaboration, and a real sense of loyalty to each other and the firm.  That is coupled with a desire for everyone to learn and develop.  We are always striving to be better.  We enjoy what we do. We are genuinely interested in our clients and want them to feel a part of the firm too.

Our approach to our people draws on enjoyment, health & wellbeing, developing talent, technical excellence, training, reward and recognition.

When recruiting, we:

• Value enthusiasm and personality
• Want to be an employer of choice for talented, driven and client-focused people
• Are always looking for the very best to strengthen our team and bring new skills and ideas
• Integrate new people to realise their potential

With over two hundred employees and Members we offer a flexible and unique environment for people to grow their careers. Together we grow.

Role purpose

• Preparation of all types of wills to include wills to absorb qualifying business assets and agricultural assets and to have a good understanding of the role of trusts for asset protection purposes.
• Review existing estate planning documentation to include both lifetime trusts and will structures and advise in connection with the suitability of the same.
• Possess a good working knowledge of inheritance tax together with a good understanding of capital gains tax in the context of individuals and trusts.
• The ability to support the partners to advise on pilot trusts associated with pension planning and life policies.
• Ideally but not essential, experience of dealing with business trusts.
• Preparation and advising in connection with Lasting Powers of Attorney and old style Enduring Powers of Attorney.  Some experience of dealing with Lasting Powers of Attorney for business owners would be an advantage.
• Support the partners in dealing with the termination of trusts.
• Providing general support to the partners and other members of the wealth team with regard to drafting documentation.
• Support the review of the firm’s Will Bank.

Key responsibilities

• Working as part of the wider private client team in supporting clients where they require the assistance of the wealth preservation team.
• Provide appropriate supervision and support to more junior team members with regard to their wealth caseloads to include contributing to the bi-monthly file reviews.
• Efficient administration, billing and cost recovery to include meeting agreed targets both for self and to support the team in achieving the same.
• Conduct regular reviews of debts, work in progress and disbursements and to understand the importance of good and accurate time recording.
• Assist in the implementation of the departmental business plan and the firm’s business plan as well as contributing towards the wealth business plan.
• Keeping up to date with changes and developments in the law as part of continuing professional development (CPD).
• Display a desire to make a wider contribution to the business with attendance at events as required.

Person specification

• High level of attention to detail.
• Great communication skills both verbally and written.
• Confident to take responsibility and lead on client matters.
• Able to deliver work in line with deadlines in a busy environment.
• Uphold an excellent reputation and serve as a role model to others.
• Maintain a strong profile, network and continue to establish a reputation within the business community.
• Complies with all requirements of the SRA code and firm accreditations.
• Ideally STEP qualified.

Other information

The firm offers hybrid working wherever possible. Our Higgs’ Best FIT (flexible, inclusive, together) principles are designed to ensure that people are able to complete their best work from the most appropriate location.

We also encourage a ‘dress for your diary’ approach. We are Happy to talk Flexible Working.

Equal opportunities

As charter signatories to The Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter, Higgs LLP are committed to developing a diverse business by engaging with the widest pool of talent and promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. Our mission is to ensure that everyone is empowered to be the best version of themselves and to have a voice which can be shared, heard and respected.