Partner / Legal Director

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The firm
Bristol is our seventh office opening in the early Autumn so come and be part of the founding team. Since January 2021 we have had a 'hub' which has hosted our Southwest based partners but to reflect our growth in this area and the firm strategy we are now here to stay. We are establishing a full-service presence in Bristol, and this is an exciting opportunity to be part of that and help form the office as we grow.

With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we live in and serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. https://www.birketts.co.uk/environmental-social-governance/

Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership. Sustainability was a key factor in determining our choice of office in Bristol.

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 with our other offices being located in in 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, litigation and private client advisory.

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.
The department
The team currently comprises over 60 specialist lawyers, including fifteen partners.

We have the strength and depth of expertise to ensure we deliver the service you would expect in respect of technical quality, practical approach and timeliness of advice. 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.

We also work very closely with our large Agricultural team advising farming families and Landed Estates on succession and tax planning.
Purpose of job
The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing expert legal advice and services to high-net-worth clients.

This position will involve managing a portfolio of clients, offering guidance on succession planning, tax planning and estate management. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and growing client relationships, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services and contributing to the strategic direction and success of the firm.

This role is based in our new office in Bristol and has a particular focus on working with our current partners there to establish and expand our presence in the region.
Accountabilities
Client Management and Development

• Build and maintain strong relationship with high-net-worth clients.
• Provide tailored legal advice on succession planning, tax advice, wills and estate administration.
• Ensure client need are met with the highest standard of professionalism and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for expanding client relationships and cross-selling additional services.

Legal Expertise and Advice

• Stay abreast of the latest developments in the relevant law.
• Draft and review complex legal documents including will, trust and powers of attorney.
• Advise clients on mitigating tax liabilities and structuring their estates effectively.

Team Leadership and Management

• Lead and mentor a team of junior lawyers fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Provide guidance and training to other team members ensuring continuous professional development.
• Oversee the workload and performance of the team, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.

Business Development and Strategy

• 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.
• Monitor and report on market trends, client feedback and competitive activity to inform strategic decisions.
• Lead efforts to establish and grow the firm's presence in the Bristol region, leveraging local networks and industry contacts.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure all activities comply with relevant laws, regulations and professional standards.
• Manage risks associated with client engagements, including identifying and mitigating potential conflicts of interest.
• Maintain accurate and up to date client records and documentation in accordance with legal and firm policies.

The candidate
Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
• Business development acumen with experience in growing a client base and identifying new business opportunities.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.

Personal Attributes

• Client-focused mindset, with a commitment to delivering excellent service.
• Proactive and results-oriented with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable and resilient with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast paced environment.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, with a passion for building and growing a business in a new market.

Qualifications/Experience

• 10 years'+ PQE gained within a strong regional, national or City firm.
• Strong academic background.
• 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.

Equal opportunities
We are committed to recruiting individuals on merits of suitability for each role, on the basis of qualifications and experience. All applications are treated fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation, race, disability, religious beliefs and any other protected characteristic, ensuring that there are equal opportunities at all stages of the recruitment process.

Benefits

One of the best things about joining Birketts is our rewards package. At Birketts we are appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. A competitive salary and benefits package is given but you can also expect a great team and supportive colleagues, a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, a programme of wellbeing and mental health support and structured career development and study support.

https://www.birketts.co.uk/working-for-birketts/

Highlighting:

• 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 / Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid ESG day (Environmental, Social and Governance)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised gym membership
• Electric car scheme
• Agile Working Policy
• Dress for your Day Policy

Partner benefits discussed at interview stage.

Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile and part time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.