Principal Associate / Legal Director, Wills, Trust & Probate

Sam Walsh; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - GBP 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable law firm in the United Kingdom is looking for a Principal Associate / Legal Director specializing in Wills, Trusts & Probate. This role involves advising high-net-worth clients on estate planning and trust management while ensuring compliance with relevant laws. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of experience, strong expertise in trusts and tax, and excellent communication skills. The firm promotes a balanced work environment and offers flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunities for growth and mentoring

Qualifications

• 10+ years post-qualification experience with a strong track record in Trusts work.
• Ability to develop strong client relationships and provide practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Advise high-net-worth individuals on estate planning strategies.
• Draft lifetime trust structures and ensure compliance with trust law.
• Provide legal advice on tax aspects of estates, including IHT mitigation.

Skills

Trusts expertise

Tax and estate planning

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

STEP Qualification

Job description

Overview

Permanent role | Open to flexible working arrangements

PRINCIPAL ASSOCIATE / LEGAL DIRECTOR – WILLS, TRUST & PROBATE

Shape the Future. Spark Ideas. Make an Impact.

Ready to step into a role that empowers you with autonomy, meaningful work, and opportunities to grow—alongside a team that values collaboration?

ABOUT SA LAW

At SA Law, we’re the law firm for people who believe life is what you make it. Since 2005, we’ve helped clients do just that—using the law as a tool to unlock progress, protect what matters, and achieve what’s possible. From the everyday to the extraordinary, we’re here to help clients take control and keep moving forward.

In this role, you’ll be supporting individuals facing often life-changing decisions, guiding clients through protecting their wealth and planning for the future by setting up a sound trust. You’ll be joining a strong, established team with a solid client base—at the heart of a key strategic area for the firm. This is a department with exciting potential for growth, offering you the chance to shape its future and make a real impact.

As a B Corp-certified firm, we balance purpose with performance, ensuring every decision benefits clients, colleagues, communities, and the planet. Here, your work truly counts—in every sense.

Explore what’s possible with SA Law.

What you’ll do

• Estate Planning: Advising high-net-worth individuals and families on comprehensive, tax-efficient estate and succession planning strategies.
• Trusts: Drafting lifetime trust structures, deeds of variation, and declarations of trust and acting as a professional Trustee, as well as assisting trustees, ensuring they are able to discharge their duties properly and in full compliance with all aspects of trust law.
• Taxation Expertise: Providing expert advice on the legal and tax aspects of estates, including inheritance tax (IHT) mitigation, capital gains tax (CGT), and working with chartered tax advisers and financial planners.
• Compliance and Regulation: Ensuring all advice and documentation comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) standards.
• Client Management: Developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients, acting as the primary point of contact for complex matters.

About you

You are an experienced lawyer (ideally 10+ years post qualification experience with a strong track record in Trusts work) seeking:

• A balanced, high-quality work environment.
• A role where your expertise is valued, and you can make a visible impact.

You’ll bring with you:

• Strong expertise in trusts, tax and estate planning
• STEP Qualification (preferred)
• Strengthen and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with clients, referrers, and industry partners
• Strong technical, analytical and drafting skills
• Strong client awareness with the ability to balance legal considerations, practical solutions, and client sensitivities, applying a pragmatic approach to estate planning and advice.
• Excellent communication skills (written & oral), capable of interacting with clients, experts, counsel, etc.
• Clear expectations and open communication – so you know where you stand.
• Meaningful work with a diverse range of clients, shaping the future.
• A culture of inclusion, belonging, and collaboration.
• Opportunities for growth, mentoring, and development without limits.
• Flexible working and support for a work-life balance that lasts.

Explore what’s possible – take the next step in your legal career.