Private client law

Private client lawyers work with people rather than businesses, helping them to run the legal aspects of their personal lives. Much of this focuses on wills, trusts, probate and tax, but it can also involve more general advisory work and, in some firms, working with charities.

Graduate careers in private client law

The types of work involved vary considerably from client to client but generally include: the drafting of wills; helping individuals to plan their estates; setting up trusts to protect assets for future generations; and reorganising trusts to meet the changing needs of beneficiaries. A substantial proportion of this work is carried out in light of the changing tax environment, helping clients wherever possible to organise their affairs in a tax-efficient manner.

Working in this area requires a combination of strong people skills and high technical ability, and will appeal to those who enjoy real-life problem solving. Excellent communication skills are essential so that the private client lawyer can form a clear picture of the client's needs and objectives and then explain what may well be a complex area of law when advising on the best solution. Much of the detail behind private client work is highly technical – particularly when tax and trust law are involved – so a good academic legal understanding is vital, as is the ability to formulate and implement practical solutions.

Most private client lawyers work in small teams, often consulting other departments – such as employment, real estate and family – and other professionals – such as accountants and financial advisers. You will therefore need to be able to communicate effectively with other professionals, as well as with clients. Private client work is both transactional (eg preparing a will) and ongoing (eg managing a family trust). It is not unusual for private client lawyers to work with individuals and families over the course of many years. There is also the need to generate new business. Referrals often come from existing clients, other departments and other professionals, such as accountants and business advisers. These relationships need to be maintained to attract new clients; networking and socialising form an integral part of private client work.

Office hours for private client lawyers tend to be more regular than for those working in purely transactional areas of law as there are not as many tight timeframes. However, there are still busy periods, as private client lawyers usually work for many different clients at the same time, and deadlines to be met – often in connection with tax. In any event, the work that private client lawyers do affects clients both personally and financially so it always needs to be carried out in a timely manner.

Is private client law recession-proof?

Private client work is generally considered to be largely ‘recession-proof’ because much of the work is required regardless of the economic climate. However, recent changes in the law and clients' natural reluctance to make significant changes in times of economic uncertainty mean that private client lawyers have a more manageable workload than in recent years.

What skills do private client solicitors need on the job?

• Common sense.
• Exemplary people skills.
• Strong academic ability.
• Willingness to take early responsibility.

As a trainee solicitor working in private client law

Clients often find it helpful to meet trainees at an early stage, since they can be a convenient point of contact for communication about practical or family matters that may arise – particularly during a probate or Court of Protection matter. As a result there is often considerable contact with clients. In appropriate cases trainees may take responsibility, under the supervision of a partner, for individual files as well as attending client meetings to take notes and carrying out discrete research and drafting tasks.

Types of law practised

• Probate.
• Tax.
• Trusts.
• Wills.

About the author

ELIZABETH NEALE is a partner in the private wealth department at BIRCHAM DYSON BELL LLP. She graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in chemistry.