Solicitor / Senior Associate

Wilkin Chapman Solicitors

Oct 18

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Mid Level
Legal
Healthcare
Lincoln

Requirements

4 years + PQE
Excellent teamworking and technical ability
Possession of the STEP Qualification or working towards it or an ability to demonstrate technical skills and experience equivalent to the STEP qualification and a willingness to undertake the qualification.
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage deadlines and competing priorities with a positive and proactive approach to tasks.
Good “hands on” private client experience in Wills, Trusts, Lasting Power of Attorney and Trust and Estate Administration.
Excellent client facing skills and the ability to nurture existing clients and third-party relationships as well as the ability to help develop new business and assist in networking events.
Ability to adopt a practical as well as legal approach to client issues.
Excellent IT skills
Understand and adopt the Firm’s values and behaviours.

Responsibilities

Running your own caseload to include drafting of Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and dealing with Trust and Estate Administration, including complex cases for High-Net-Worth business and agricultural clients.
Recognising fee-earning opportunities and develop as appropriate, particularly cross-referring work and clients within the firm and working closely with our Real Estate and Commercial teams.
Drafting and reviewing legal documents with precision and attention to detail
Willing to participate in the growth and future development on the department, assisting in the build-up of the client database and marketing the firm’s services through business development and networking activities within and outside of normal office hours.
To maintain existing relations with the firm’s clients and assist and help develop new relationships with third party referrers.
Regularly update clients as to the current progress of their case.
Mentoring and support of more junior colleagues in the team and working collaboratively.
Completing time recording and other management records required by the firm.
Ensuring compliance is adhered to in all activities including Lexcel compliance.
Financial control of your own matters with particular regard to cash flow through collection of monies on account and billing procedures.
Conduct all matters in the client's best interest and in accordance with the highest professional standards and applicable "quality" standards at all times.
Maintain files in a neat and orderly manner and ensure that each file is reviewed and recorded as having been reviewed against the computer printout supplied by the Accounts Department every month.
Achieve financial targets agreed with the Department Head or Branch Partner.
Deal with routine and difficult enquiries from telephone callers and clients effectively and efficiently and ensure that all client complaints are dealt with both professionally and promptly to the complete satisfaction of the client.
Maintain time recording on client matters and non-matter activities on a daily basis.
Ensure quality of work produced by ‘support staff' is to the highest standard.
Understand the obligations relating to client accounts and ensure the preparation and service of bills comply with the Solicitors Accounts Rules.
Keep up to date with case law/good practice guidance and apply as appropriate.
Ensure compliance with Law Society Training Regulations.
Work in a responsible and safe manner at all times adhering to Health & Safety, safe working practices and firm policies and procedures.
Such other reasonable duties as and when required by your Line Manager.
The above list of duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the role.

FAQs

What is the primary focus of the role?

The primary focus of the role is to run your own caseload, including drafting Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and managing Trust and Estate Administration, particularly for high-value estate matters.

How many years of experience are required for this position?

The position requires at least 4 years of post-qualification experience (PQE).

Is there an emphasis on business development in this role?

Yes, the role includes participation in business development and networking activities to help grow the department and develop new client relationships.

Will mentoring junior colleagues be part of my responsibilities?

Yes, you will be expected to mentor and support more junior colleagues in the team.

What qualifications or certifications are preferred for this role?

A STEP Qualification or a willingness to work towards it is preferred, or equivalent technical skills and experience.

What kind of team dynamics should I expect?

You will be joining an experienced and supportive team, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork.

Are there financial targets associated with this position?

Yes, achieving financial targets agreed with the Department Head or Branch Partner is part of the role.

Will I have the opportunity to participate in marketing activities?

Yes, you will be encouraged to assist in marketing the firm’s services through business development and networking activities.

What types of clients will I be working with?

You will be dealing with a wide range of clients, including High-Net-Worth business and agricultural clients, as well as the firm’s existing clients.

Is compliance and adherence to standards a part of this job?

Yes, ensuring compliance with Lexcel, Solicitors Accounts Rules, and maintaining the highest professional standards is a crucial part of the job.

What is the company culture like?

The company promotes a strong, forward-looking culture that values happy and motivated employees, providing a supportive and sociable working environment.

Can you provide information about the firm's history?

Wilkin Chapman has over 120 years of history, is the largest law firm in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, and is recognized in the Lawyer UK 200 as well as highly ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK.

Will I be expected to keep up with legal developments?

Yes, you are expected to keep up to date with case law and good practice guidance and apply this knowledge appropriately in your work.

Wilkin Chapman Solicitors

We’re the leading private and commercial law firm in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.

Law

Industry

201-500

Employees

1900

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Recommended by the UK’s leading legal directories, including The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, Wilkin Chapman is one of the largest law firms in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire. We have over 420 partners and staff located across a network of offices in Grimsby, Lincoln, Beverley, and Louth providing a unique balance of trusted legal and insolvency advice to private and commercial clients based locally, nationally, and internationally. Wilkin Chapman’s strength in key sectors including agriculture, food, energy & renewables, tourism & leisure, local government, military, and education is supported by its expertise in employment, corporate and commercial, and real estate as well as all aspects of private client work. The firm adopts a holistic approach to providing professional legal services, but always with the client at its very heart. Distinguished by our outstanding service, innovation, and commitment to achieving results, we’re proud to achieve and maintain quality standards such as Lexcel, The Law Society's accreditation standard, and the ISO9001:2008 certification in our recoveries department. We’re recognised as amongst the best there is in the UK in 16 specialist areas in the Legal 500 2023 and have 15 practice area and solicitor recommendations in the Chambers UK 2023 guide. We've also earned the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the highest honour from the Armed Forces Covenant, and we are also the NFU's Legal Panel Member for Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire. As a firm, we believe in supporting the communities in which we operate, and our colleagues regularly engage in volunteering and fundraising for local charities, organisations, and schools.