Wills & Probate Solicitor

About the Client

Our client is an established UK law firm with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, client-focused legal services. The firm is committed to providing clear, practical advice and building lasting relationships with clients through a professional, approachable and supportive service.

The firm is seeking an experienced Wills & Probate Solicitor to join its private client team in Bedford. This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor looking to develop their practice within a supportive legal environment, with the flexibility to manage their own caseload and provide specialist advice to a varied client base.

The Role

The successful candidate will manage a varied private client caseload, advising individuals and families on wills, estate administration, probate and inheritance planning. You will be responsible for delivering a high standard of legal advice, managing matters from initial instruction through to completion, and ensuring clients receive a sensitive, efficient and professional service.

The role would suit a solicitor with strong technical knowledge of private client law, excellent communication skills and the ability to manage matters independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting and advising on wills, including complex wills where appropriate.
• Advising clients on estate planning, inheritance tax considerations and succession planning.
• Managing probate applications and the administration of estates, including intestate estates.
• Obtaining grants of probate and letters of administration.
• Advising executors, administrators, beneficiaries and personal representatives on their legal responsibilities.
• Preparing estate accounts and dealing with the collection and distribution of estate assets.
• Liaising with HMRC regarding inheritance tax and relevant estate tax matters.
• Advising on lasting powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters, where experienced.
• Managing client relationships and providing clear, empathetic advice throughout the process.
• Maintaining accurate file records and ensuring compliance with SRA requirements, AML procedures and internal risk management policies.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and contributing to the continued development of the private client practice.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor of England and Wales with a current practicing certificate.
• Proven experience handling a private client caseload, particularly wills, probate and estate administration.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation, procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal matters in accessible language.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines independently.
• A professional, empathetic and client-focused approach, particularly when supporting clients dealing with bereavement.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to manage files from instruction through to completion.
• A commercially aware approach to billing, time management and client development.

Desirable Experience

• Experience dealing with high-value or complex estates.
• Knowledge of inheritance tax planning and estate tax matters.
• STEP membership or progress towards a STEP qualification desirable but not essential.
• Experience managing and developing client relationships and generating repeat or referral business.
• Familiarity with legal case management systems and digital working practices.

What the Opportunity Offers

• The opportunity to manage a varied and interesting private client caseload.
• A professional and supportive working environment.
• Flexibility in working arrangements, subject to the firm’s requirements.
• The opportunity to develop existing client relationships and build a long-term private client practice.
• Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience and the agreed working arrangement.

If you are an experienced Wills & Probate Solicitor looking for your next opportunity in Bedford, we would welcome a confidential discussion to explore your experience, career objectives and suitability for the role.