Work With Us
Current Vacancies:
Job title: Private client lawyer
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Employment type: Part-time or full-time
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
About us
We are a well-established solicitors’ firm in Ipswich, known for providing high-quality legal services across East Anglia. Our Private Client team is recognised for offering practical, compassionate advice to a wide range of clients. As the team continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced and motivated private client fee earner to join us.
The role
You will manage a varied caseload, providing clear, professional advice across all areas of private client work. This includes:
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Preparing wills and lasting powers of attorney
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Administering estates and probate matters
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Advising on trusts and tax planning
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Providing guidance on inheritance and capital gains tax
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Handling client matters with care and sensitivity
You’ll be supported by a friendly and experienced team and have the chance to help shape the future of the department. The role is available on either a part-time or full-time basis, with flexible and hybrid working arrangements available.
What we’re looking for
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A qualified solicitor, legal executive or experienced fee earner
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At least 1 to 3 years’ experience in private client work
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Confident in managing a full caseload independently
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Strong technical knowledge of wills, probate, trusts and tax
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Excellent communication skills and a client-focused approach
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A STEP qualification (or working towards one) would be a bonus but isn’t essential
What we offer
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A competitive salary based on experience
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Flexible working options, including hybrid working
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A supportive and collaborative team environment
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Clear opportunities for progression
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A generous benefits package
How to apply
If you’re an experienced private client fee earner looking to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a short cover letter explaining your experience to marie.williams@bates-wells.co.uk
Closing date: 31 July 2025
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. Applications are encouraged from all suitably qualified candidates.
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Job Title: Legal Secretary
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, UK
Salary: Negotiable
Hours: Full-time or Part-time (3-4 days per week, flexible)
Contract Type: Permanent
Employer: Bates Wells and Braithwaite Solicitors, Ipswich
About us:
We are a well-established law firm in Ipswich, specialising in Private Client, Family Law, Conveyancing, Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, and Dispute Resolution. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to our clients, and we pride ourselves on our supportive and professional work environment.
The role:
We are seeking a Legal Secretary to work with our Private Client and PI Teams. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal secretary to support our busy teams in delivering high-quality legal services.
Key responsibilities:
Providing administrative support to fee-earners, including audio-typing, document preparation, and file management
Handling client correspondence, including emails, letters, and phone calls
Managing diaries, scheduling appointments, and arranging meetings
Maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with confidentiality and data protection regulations
Liaising with clients, courts, and other professional bodies as required
Requirements:
Previous secretarial experience or in a similar administrative role, ideally within a law firm
Strong typing skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Excellent organisational and communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures (preferred but not essential)
Attention to detail and professional demeanour
What we offer:
Competitive salary and generous holiday provision
Flexible working hours (full-time or part-time options available)
Supportive and friendly team environment
Opportunities for professional development and career progression
Convenient Ipswich office location with excellent transport links
How to apply:
Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role to marie.williams@bates-wells.co.uk.
Closing date: 4th July 2025
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Qualified Lawyer – Property (Ipswich)
We have an opportunity for an ambitious qualified lawyer in our property team. We are a niche and busy firm with an expanding client base with a long and steady reputation for providing a stellar service to our clients. We welcome applications from those wishing to advance their career and with progression prospects for the future and with 2 – 5 years pqe.
The role
- Managing a busy caseload of residential property matters, including freehold/leasehold sales and purchases, Shared Ownership, Re-mortgages, and New Build developments.
- Handling cases from initial instruction through to completion, ensuring the highest standards of service throughout.
- Providing estimates and taking instructions
- Drafting and approving legal documentation, including contracts and transfer deeds
- Working as part of a collaborative team
About you
- Minimum 2 years Residential Conveyancing fee earning experience, essential.
- Proven track record of meeting fee targets and deadlines.
- Strong legal knowledge and understanding of the conveyancing process.
- Excellent communication and client care skills.
- Happy to attend networking and business development events
Benefits
- Salary negotiable for the right candidate
- Pension
- 5 weeks holiday
- Hybrid working after qualifying period
Apply with letter and CV to marie.williams@bates-wells.co.uk
Note
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals.
We are always looking for energetic, ambitious, team players at every level of experience. Whether a fee earner, paralegal, secretary, or young person with drive and enthusiasm, willing to learn and succeed, we would love to hear from you.
Please send a CV and covering letter to marie.williams@bates-wells.co.uk