We have a fabulous opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated Private Client Legal Director (Solicitor or FCILEx with a minimum of 5 years PQE) to join a friendly and professional team, however this is a niche role and we’re seeking specialists who have experience working within the Agricultural sector. We require a passionate and technical operator with a wealth of experience advising farming clients on succession planning, taxation issues, wills and powers of attorney as well as dealing with the administration of estates of deceased farmers. We can offer you: A culture of trust and empowerment with responsibility and autonomy over your work and the freedom to manage when and how you do it The support and encouragement of a great team behind you and friendly colleagues who all want to help you thrive A competitive remuneration package with great benefits Our wider Private Client team, whom you’ll be working closely with, many of which are STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), providing a wide range of services and advice empowering families to define their unique long-term goals and legacy. We offer advice on the following areas of Private Client law: Capital Tax planning including advising on the most appropriate structures via Wills, Trusts & Family Investment Companies, the creation and administration of Trusts including tax compliance, accounting services and professional Trusteeships, administration of estates (simple to complex), Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work, the creation and administration of Charitable Foundations and personal tax advice and compliance. Our clients’ profiles consist of family business owners, landed estates, newly acquired wealth, private individuals with inherited wealth and their families and Trustees of substantial trusts. The team undertakes high quality, high profile and complex work – there is opportunity to help shape the direction of the team moving forwards and supervision of a junior team of lawyers will be a considerable element to the role. The work involves dealing with all aspects of private client law. What you will be doing: Provide high-quality private client advice to all clients particularly those in the agricultural industry to include advising on inheritance tax and succession planning, providing input (working in conjunction with our agricultural property team) on partnership and shareholders’ agreements, preparing Balfour type reviews of businesses to ascertain the trading status of the client’s business and advising on ways in which this can be improved, drafting wills, letters of wishes and powers of attorney including business powers of attorney and administering deceased farmers’ estates. Develop and maintain good client relationship skills, gaining clients’ confidence and that of other professionals As a senior member of the team, you will help to supervise and mentor a team of Solicitors. Participate in the growth and development of the department / firm by attracting additional business from new and existing clients Undertake legal research to ensure accuracy of advice and procedures Supporting internal procedures and systems including file / case management and time recording To be able to demonstrate that technical expertise and competence across a sufficiently wide area Willing and able to work without significant supervision The flexibility to work outside normal office hours may be required from time-to-time What you will need: A good solid background in all areas of private client work – including the production of Trust and Estate Accounts and Tax Returns but with particular experience of advising and supporting clients from an agricultural background Developed a particular strength and reputation in your work area demonstrating technical excellence but equally important, you will be commercially aware with strong business development skills An awareness of current issues affecting the agricultural industry Excellent written and verbal communication skills You will be a self-starter, able to demonstrate high levels of initiative and motivation, but also willing to work closely with other team members at all levels A demonstrable track record of managing assigned tasks in an assertive, efficient and timely manner with excellent attention to detail Be able to multitask and keep calm under pressure We expect you to be able to use your initiative, and be a forward-planner, anticipating the needs of your clients and colleagues wherever possible You may already be STEP qualified or currently studying for it. If not, we can support you in working towards qualification and membership There will be a requirement to travel so a full clean driving licence is required Benefits, Agile Working And Additional Information We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work. We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it. We have hubs in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln and Sheffield. Want to find out more about our amazing benefits? Additional information: Please be aware, for some vacancies, where we receive high numbers of applications we may need to bring the close date forward. Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to a variety of checks which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted. Details of the checks can be found here. Equal opportunities Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs. About Shakespeare Martineau Welcome to Shakespeare Martineau, where we're more than just a full-service law firm. With over 1100 specialists, including lawyers and business support professionals, we're committed to unlocking potential in our people and clients, inspiring confidence, growth, and development. Our purpose is clear: we provide creative solutions and advice that help individuals and businesses achieve their commercial and personal goals. But what truly sets us apart is our focus on building lasting relationships and championing our clients, ensuring they receive the best possible business and personal advice. At Shakespeare Martineau, it's our people who make us special. We understand what our team members want and give them the support they need to succeed. Recognising everyone's contribution and harnessing the unique power of teams, we work together to achieve success. Diversity is at the heart of our firm. We actively build and develop diverse teams, bringing together different backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives to deliver amazing solutions for our clients. We believe in playing to our strengths, constantly striving to improve, and empowering our teams with individual responsibility for their own learning and growth. Join us at Shakespeare Martineau and become a valued member of a team where we unlock your potential, appreciate your contributions, and achieve success together. As part of Ampa, we are part of a large multi-brand group, all of our brands are linked by a shared purpose and set of values that brings about a positive, inclusive and diverse work culture - helping everyone achieve their ambitions.