Private Client Director/Partner

Job title

Legal Director/Partner

Department

Private Client

Team

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.

Role purpose

• Review existing estate planning documentation to include both lifetime trusts and will structures and advise in connection with the suitability of the same
• Preparation of all types of wills to include wills to absorb qualifying business assets and agricultural assets and to have an extensive understanding of the role of trusts for asset protection purposes
• An excellent working knowledge of inheritance tax
• A good understanding of capital gains tax in the context of individuals and trusts
• The ability to advise on pilot trusts associated with pension planning and life policies
• Ideally, but not essential, experience of dealing with business trusts to support cross option arrangements and an interest in wider business succession planning
• 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.
• Dealing with termination of trusts to include when a life tenant dies, the coming of age of a beneficiary or another event ensuring that all trust closing procedures are followed together with the preparation of deeds of variation

Key responsibilities

• Working as part of the wider private client team in supporting clients on all aspects of wealth work.
• 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 be an additional support for any issues with time recording.
• Assist in the implementation of the departmental business plan and the firm’s business plan as well as taking responsibility for contributing towards the wealth business plan and growing a professional following to lead to new work streams being introduced
• 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.
• Strong 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.

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.