Associate, Probate (Private Wealth), ideally 3 – 4 years PQE

We would like to hire a Probate solicitor with ideally 3 – 4 years PQE for our top ranked Private Wealth team on a permanent and fulltime basis. You must have experience of probate matters and administering estates ideally from another top tier private client firm.

What sort of work?

We are looking for someone who can work alongside the three senior associates, one junior associate, probate manager and a paralegal who together comprise our probate team, which itself is part of our Private Wealth department, with administering estates. The Private Wealth department is one of the largest in London, and yields a large and consistent volume of high-level probate work.

The amount of responsibility that the associate will be given will depend on their level of experience, but we would expect them to be able to run an administration without much assistance. That said, of course practical support from the probate manager and secretaries is available, and the senior associates and partners will always make time to provide assistance and guidance. We would hope that, in time, the associate would take on more responsibility and delegating as appropriate.

Tasks would include:

• Collecting information (from clients, institutions and valuers) with which to populate inheritance tax returns.
• Drawing up estate accounts, including in STEP format.
• Completing inheritance tax calculations, including those involving relievable property and conditionally exempt assets.
• Dealing with executors and beneficiaries in a professional and efficient manner, thereby instilling trust confidence.
• Preparing grant applications and ancillary documents (such as notices of power reserved, powers of attorney and forms of renunciation).
• Dealing with banks and other institutions to transfer assets out of the name of the deceased and settle liabilities.
• Taking responsibility for bringing the administration of estates to a conclusion by completing estate accounts and (sometimes with the relevant accountant) ensuring that the deceased’s tax affairs are brought to a conclusion.

Who you are:

• Dedicated, collaborative and team‑oriented.
• Committed to delivering exceptional client outcomes.
• Value inclusion and contribute to a culture where people feel they belong.
• A learning mindset, proactive and eager to contribute ideas.
• Bring energy, enthusiasm and a positive approach to work.
• Be flexible and adaptable, working where needed for the best outcomes.
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism and a client-centric approach.

Why Forsters?

We are renowned for our private wealth and real estate focus, together with our strong corporate and commercial and dispute resolution teams. We work alongside individuals, families and businesses across a wide range of complex matters and situations.

What makes us different is how we build closer connections with our clients to deliver exceptional results. We do it through creating genuine relationships, a sharp focus on what matters to them and the flexibility to adapt our advice to their situation.

When you come through our door, you’ll notice how genuinely open, friendly and authentic people are. We work well together because we have fun together. We take your happiness and wellbeing seriously. Here, you are free to express yourself and be the best you can be.

Delivering exceptional results takes on a different meaning at Forsters. For us, it’s about being more closely connected to clients, each other and our communities. It’s what drives us, them and you forward.

Why this team?

Helping clients grow, preserve and protect what matters most to them, remains at the heart of what we do. We were founded as a private wealth firm and for almost thirty years we have served individuals and families in the UK and internationally, supporting them in all aspects of their wealth, property and business matters. Today, our award-winning private wealth practice is ranked top in the latest editions of the Chambers High Net Worth Guide and the Legal 500.

Our teams work collaboratively to provide our clients with a joined-up service and a complete private client experience, from buying and investing in property, companies, art and luxury assets, through to family wealth planning including trusts, succession planning and family offices. We also advise on tax, regulation, employment, disputes and immigration.

Our approach is defined by building a deep understanding of our clients’ lives, their needs and what they want to achieve. We develop genuine relationships and take a personal approach, always with clients’ commercial objectives in mind. This is how we deliver exceptional advice and the reason why our clients choose us to serve them across generations.

What is the environment?

You’ll be in an environment of happiness, collaboration and flexibility. We take our work seriously and being happy and having fun is an integral part of that. We work both in and out of the office in Marylebone depending on what’s best for our clients, our team, our business and our professional growth.

Are we right for you?

We are looking for you to bring your energy and enthusiasm to work every day and to collaborate and work with colleagues as one team, to listen and consider each other. We ask you to take responsibility for your growth and development, share your ideas and let us know what you want to achieve. We are looking for you to get involved in our responsible business activities, pro bono, community and sustainability initiatives.

Other skills required:

• Experience of administering estates.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organised manner with ability to prioritise workload.
• Motivated and pro-active with a ‘can-do’ approach.
• Able to adhere to tight and demanding deadlines.
• Able to interact with people at all levels.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach.
• Calm and efficient under pressure.
• Flexible as regards to time and duties.
• Good attention to detail; accurate and thorough.

What we offer

• You’ll work on high-quality matters and with high-quality clients.
• Opportunities to collaborate across practice groups.
• Work in a team with a strong reputation and leaders in the field.
• The support you need to develop in your role.
• Opportunities to have an impact inside and outside of the firm (through our Responsible Business activities).
• Benefits.
• Hybrid working.
• Professional development.
• Community and pro bono.

Equal opportunities

Forsters LLP is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for everyone.

We strive to attract and encourage applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, age, race, nationality, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation or religious beliefs. Click here to find out more about how we are committed to building a culture where our people can thrive.

If you require any support or adjustments in the application or hiring process, please let us know.