The Role of a Private Client Solicitor in the UK

When people think about solicitors, they often picture courtroom battles or complex commercial negotiations. But behind the scenes, there’s a vital area of law that touches almost everyone at some stage of life—private client law. Private client solicitors play a key role in helping individuals and families manage their personal legal affairs, especially when it comes to wealth, estate planning, and safeguarding future generations.

What is a Private Client Solicitor?

A private client solicitor specialises in providing legal advice to individuals rather than businesses. Their work typically centres around Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Tax, and Probate. This area of law can involve highly sensitive and personal issues—dealing with death, incapacity, family dynamics, and wealth—which means private client solicitors need not only technical expertise but also tact, discretion, and empathy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Drafting Wills

Writing a legally valid and effective Will is one of the cornerstone tasks of a private client solicitor. They ensure a client’s wishes are clearly documented and enforceable, helping to prevent future disputes and minimise inheritance tax liabilities.

2. Estate Planning and Tax Advice

Private client solicitors help clients manage how their wealth will be passed on, often through strategic estate planning. This includes advice on Inheritance Tax (IHT), lifetime gifting, and the use of trusts to manage wealth across generations or protect vulnerable beneficiaries.

3. Trusts and Trust Administration

Trusts are powerful tools in estate planning, but they are legally complex. A private client solicitor helps set up trusts, explains their implications, and may also act as a trustee, ensuring legal and fiduciary responsibilities are met.

4. Probate and Estate Administration

After someone dies, their estate must be gathered, debts settled, and assets distributed—this process is called probate. Private client solicitors guide executors and administrators through this process, which can be time-consuming and legally challenging, especially for large or contested estates.

5. Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection

They advise clients on creating Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), which allow trusted individuals to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity. If an LPA is not in place and someone becomes incapacitated, a solicitor may assist in making an application to the Court of Protection.

6. Asset Protection and Family Matters

From planning for care home fees to helping with international assets or blended families, private client solicitors provide bespoke strategies to protect family wealth while navigating changing personal circumstances.

Why Their Role Matters

Private client solicitors do more than just process paperwork—they bring peace of mind. Their role often involves navigating emotionally charged situations, such as bereavement or family disagreements. With their support, clients can make informed decisions that protect both their loved ones and their legacy.

They also ensure compliance with the ever-evolving legal and tax landscape, reducing the risk of costly mistakes. For high-net-worth individuals or those with complex family structures or cross-border interests, their expertise becomes indispensable.

Who Needs a Private Client Solicitor?

While many assume these services are only for the wealthy, almost anyone with property, savings, or dependents can benefit from their advice. Private client solicitors can offer clarity and reassurance in what can be a daunting area of law, whether you are:

• Making your first Will;
• Planning for retirement;
• Helping aging parents with legal documents; or
• Managing a family trust

In a world of DIY legal services and online Will kits, the nuanced advice and holistic approach of a private client solicitor remain unmatched. They provide a vital service—protecting what matters most to individuals and families during life’s biggest transitions.

If you are considering writing or updating a Will, planning your estate, or handling the affairs of a loved one who has passed, speaking to one of our team could be one of the most important legal steps you take.