Private Client Associate

Job title

Private Client 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

To join the Private Client department as an associate solicitor in the Wealth Preservation team and to deal with the following:

• Taking will instructions both alone and alongside more senior colleagues (for more complex matters).
• Preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney and meeting with clients to execute the same.
• Supporting initial enquiries in relation to general will enquiries and working to convert these into active instructions.
• Supporting the partners and associates in the Wealth Preservation team with the drafting of more complex wills (see above) and in due course settlement deeds and other related trust documentation.
• In due course to 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.
• 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.
• Support the implementation of the various business plans within private client.
• 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

• Personal effectiveness and self-management
• Good communication, organisational and team skills
• Good attention to detail
• Flexible and dependable, able to take the initiative
• Able to remain calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines
• Conscientious, approachable and enthusiastic
• Able to quickly build confidence, respect and trust with others
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
• Working towards or a willingness to start the STEP qualification

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.

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.