About us
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals and over 600 staff based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.
Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 6th best law firm to work at in 2026.
With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 42% of our partnership.
The team you will join
The Birketts Private Client Division is recognised as one of the leading teams for advising individuals, families, and trustees. We provide bespoke advice on protecting wealth, planning for the future, and managing complex personal and family matters, often in conjunction with corporate structures and business interests. Our expertise spans everything from succession and tax planning to trusts, family law, Court of Protection, agricultural estates, ecclesiastical issues, and dispute resolution. We pride ourselves on delivering technically excellent, practical solutions with a personal approach that clients can trust.
Our lawyers bring experience from leading City practices and major national and regional firms. This depth of knowledge enables us to work together on complex matters and deliver exceptional client service and where appropriate, a sector-based offering for our clients.
Our Private Client Advisory team work across all seven of our offices. We act as trusted advisers to individuals, families, trustees, family or owner-run businesses and trust companies both in the UK and internationally. We place particular priority on continuity and fostering close long-term relationships with contacts and clients in order to provide practical advice and commercial solutions on a very wide variety of tax, trust and estate planning situations that arise.
The work you will be doing
The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and services to high-net-worth clients. This position will involve acting for high-net-worth clients, offering guidance on succession planning, trusts, wills, tax planning and estate administration.
As part of your day to day role, you will:
*Build and maintain strong relationship with high-net-worth clients.
*Provide tailored legal advice on succession planning, tax advice, wills and estate administration.
*Draft and review complex legal documents including wills, trusts and powers of attorney.
*Advise clients on mitigating tax liabilities and structuring their estates effectively.
*Help lead and mentor a team of junior lawyers fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
*Contribute to the development and execution of the firm’s strategic plan, particularly within the Private Client Advisory Team.
*Participate in networking events, conferences and other business development activities to promote the firm’s services.
*Develop and implement marketing initiatives to attract new clients and retain existing ones.
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
What we are looking for
*A minimum of 6 years PQE in a professional legal environment
*Proven track record of advising high net worth clients in all areas of private client advisory law.
*A high attention to detail to produce work/ documentation which is consistently of a high standard.
*To have a flexible approach to work to ensure client deadlines are always met and clients are communicated with on a consistent and regular basis.
*Previous experience in business development and establishing a presence in new markets.
*Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
*To be competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, time recording software, case management, Outlook and digital dictation
Birketts has designed a ’Talent Management Framework’ which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. As a Senior Associate, we typically expect candidates to have a minimum of 6 years PQE.
Any information provided in relation to PQE should be used for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Applicants will be considered on their individual merits.
Hybrid Working
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. This role attracts a split of 60% office days and 40% working from home days per week.
Benefits
As a Birketts colleague, you will be eligible to receive a wide range of benefits:
*30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
*Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
*Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
*Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
*Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
*Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
*Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
*Paid CSR Day
*Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
*Subsidised gym membership
*Electric car scheme
*Dress for your Day Policy
You can find out more on our website: https://recognition-reward-benefits/
Inclusivity and Culture
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth.
Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunit