Pardoes Solicitors is growing, and this is an opportunity to grow with us.

We’re a long-established Somerset Company with the ambition, energy and progression opportunities of a modern, evolving business. Many of our colleagues have built their entire careers here, progressing through the company with the support of our Career Progression Framework and mentorship programme.

Now, we’re looking for an experienced Private Client fee earner to join our team and help shape the next chapter of our Private Client offering.

The Role 

Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Private Client Solicitor, Chartered Legal Executive or STEP-qualified professional, to manage a varied Private Client caseload.

Recent estate administration experience is essential.

Your work may include:

• Wills and estate planning
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Inheritance Tax advice
• Estate administration (including complex and taxable estates)
• Trusts and lifetime planning
• Court of Protection and deputyship matters
• Supporting elderly and vulnerable clients
• Foreign assets or cross-border estate matters (desirable but not essential)

You will also play a key role in building and maintaining strong client relationships, raising the department’s profile locally and contributing to the team’s continued growth.

About You 

We are open-minded about the route you’ve taken into Private Client law. You may be:

• A Solicitor (3-6 years’ PQE) or a Chartered Legal Executive (essential)
• A STEP or TEP qualified practitioner (desirable)
• An experienced, long term Private Client Fee Earner with strong and demonstratable technical ability (essential)

You will need:

• A solid track record of handling your own Private Client caseload
• Strong technical knowledge of core Private Client areas – recent experience of estate administration is essential
• Excellent client care and communication skills
• The ability to manage sensitive matters with empathy and professionalism
• Confidence working independently and collaboratively
• A positive, solutions-focused approach

If you have experience or an interest in mentoring or supporting junior colleagues, this would be beneficial.

This role is based in our Bridgwater office; a full driving licence is required as there will be occasional travel to other offices.

About Us

Here is what genuinely sets us apart:

• We embrace flexibility. Hybrid, full-time, part-time, condensed hours and unusual working patterns; we will consider them all and find a solution that works for everyone. We’re outcome-focused, not clock-watchers.
• Real development, not corporate buzzwords. We are small enough that your work is visible and impactful yet structured enough to offer a clear Career Progression Framework, mentorship and the chance to step into more senior opportunities as we grow.
• Competitive pay, reviewed annually. Our salaries are either competitive or above market for our size and region. We also carry out a company-wide annual pay review each April.
• Family-friendly culture. Birthday leave and the ability to buy or sell annual leave via a salary exchange, helps colleagues adapt work around real life, not the other way around.
• A bonus scheme that actually rewards people. Introduced in April 2025, our KPI linked bonus scheme applies to all colleagues (fee earners and non-fee earners, with different structures). KPIs are realistic and achievable, and meaningful bonuses have already been paid out in the first cycle.
• We are genuinely client-focused. We have an excellent reputation locally and consistently receive exceptional feedback on platforms such as ReviewSolicitors. Our culture prioritises clear communication, personal service and doing the right thing for every client, which is reflected in our reviews and our longstanding client relationships.
• A place where you can make your mark. You’re not a number here. Everybody will know your name. Your ideas and contributions are valued and shape how we grow. You’ll see the direct impact of your work on the business and the community we serve.

Why this is your next career move

This is a rare chance to put your stamp on a team in a company that listens, evolves and invests. You get the support and legacy of a long-established practice, with the personal impact and career progression opportunities of a flexible, ambitious business.

How to apply 

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your experience and what attracts you to Pardoes to HR@pardoes.co.uk

We have an exciting opportunity for a Compliance Office to support our COLP (Compliance Officer for Legal Practice).  You must have prior legal experience and be familiar with regulatory requirements. 

This is a critical function and requires someone who is confident working on their own initiative and is comfortable communicating effectively with people at all levels of the Company.

• To play a key role in the compliance of the Company.
• To support/assist the COLP with all aspects of Risk and Compliance.
• To support/assist the Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).
• To update and monitor the Company’s Office Manual including all compliance policies and procedures.
• To assist with complaints and claims.
  To act as first point of call for staff compliance queries.
• To administer, update and train staff on the Company’s compliance platform (Riliance).
• Organise Monthly Risk and Compliance meetings and prepare agenda and take, type and circulate minutes.
• Produce monthly and Annual Compliance reports and collate any other relevant information.?

The ideal candidate will be/have:

• Legal experience.
• An excellent understanding of the SRA rules.
• A self-starter and able to work independently.
• Able to demonstrate competence and take responsibility.
• A self-starter with a pro-active attitude towards the responsibilities assigned.  
• Good problem-solving capabilities.
• Friendly approachable manner.
• Must be IT literate.

The successful applicant will also be vehicle owner and hold a full driving licence.  We would consider a hybrid role.

Joining Pardoes Solicitors means becoming part of a company that values quality, teamwork and personal service. We invest in our people and are committed to being an employer of choice within the region.

If you are organised, motivated and interested in developing your career we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a quick start so please apply if you wish to join an expanding and successful team by submitting your CV and covering letter to HR@pardoes.co.uk.

We are growing, and this is an opportunity to grow with us.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking a Private Client Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive to manage a varied Private Client caseload.

We are seeking a Solicitor (1–2 years’ PQE) or a Chartered Legal Executive with strong client care and technical skills.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate excellent communication, networking and client facing skills alongside an enviable experience of dealing with both day to day and complex cases including Wills and LPAs, both taxable and non-taxable Estates. Experience in trust matters and Court of Protection matters would also be beneficial,  but is not essential.

It would be advantageous if applicants were accredited with Solicitors for the Elderly or members of STEP (Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners). The firm would support training at regular intervals to keep abreast of private client developments.

You will be self supportive, undertaking the majority of your own administration with some support provided locally or remotely as appropriate. It goes without saying client awareness is essential whilst consistently delivering a first-class service.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a busy Private Client fee earning role, with an ability to work autonomously as required to get the job done. Applicants who have practice of participating in the development of a department and using marketing and networking to achieve this, are also desirable.

This role may require occasional travel to our various offices across Somerset and therefore the successful applicant will also be a vehicle owner and hold a full driving licence.

We embrace flexibility. Hybrid, full-time, part-time, condensed hours and unusual working patterns; we will consider them all and find a solution that works for everyone. We’re outcome-focused, not clock-watchers.

Please apply by submitting your CV and covering letter to HR@pardoes.co.uk.