About Michelmores

Michelmores is a top-tier regional law firm with a strong presence across the South West of England, with well-established offices in Bristol and Cheltenham. Known for delivering high-quality legal services across multiple practice areas, the firm has built a reputation for combining deep regional expertise with a forward-thinking, client-focused approach. Since opening its Bristol and Cheltenham offices, Michelmores has experienced significant growth, attracting top-tier talent and an expanding client base of high-net-worth individuals, businesses, and institutional clients. On 1 April 2026, Michelmores will open its newest office in Cambridge, marking a strategic expansion into the East of England legal market. This move positions the firm as a direct competitor to long-established Cambridge law firms, bringing fresh energy, competitive service offerings, and new opportunities to one of the UK's most dynamic legal markets. The Cambridge office will launch with three core practice areas: Private Wealth, Real Estate, and Business — all high-value, high-demand disciplines that serve the region's thriving entrepreneurial, property, and wealth management communities.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Private Wealth Lawyer to join the newly established Cambridge office in a senior capacity. This is a rare opportunity to be part of a founding team in a high-growth market, shaping the direction of a practice area from the ground up within a firm that has a proven track record of successful regional expansion. As a senior member of the Private Wealth team, you will play a pivotal role in building and growing the firm's presence in Cambridge. You will work alongside colleagues from the Bristol and Cheltenham offices while establishing new client relationships across the East of England. This position carries significant autonomy and the chance to leave a lasting mark on the firm's trajectory in the region.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage a portfolio of private wealth clients, providing expert legal advice on estate planning, trust administration, tax mitigation strategies, and wealth structuring for high-net-worth individuals and families.
Develop and execute a business development strategy to grow the Private Wealth practice in the Cambridge market, identifying new client opportunities and building a strong referral network across the East of England.
Advise clients on complex matters including cross-border estate planning, inheritance tax planning, wills, powers of attorney, and the establishment and administration of trusts (discretionary, interest in possession, and pilot trusts).
Collaborate with the Real Estate and Business teams to deliver integrated, multi-disciplinary advice on property transactions, corporate structuring, and succession planning for business owners.
Build and maintain relationships with professional intermediaries, including accountants, financial advisers, tax specialists, and other solicitors, to generate cross-referrals and strengthen the firm's market position.
Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and support staff within the Private Wealth team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional development.
Contribute to the strategic planning and operational setup of the Cambridge office, including input on recruitment, marketing initiatives, and client engagement strategies.
Ensure all work complies with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) standards, anti-money laundering regulations, and the firm's internal risk management and compliance procedures.
Prepare and review complex legal documents including trust deeds, wills, deeds of variation, and shareholder agreements with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
Represent the firm at industry events, seminars, and networking functions to raise Michelmores' profile within the Cambridge legal and business community.

Work Environment and Culture

Michelmores fosters a collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating work environment. The firm values initiative, commercial awareness, and a genuine commitment to client service. With the opening of the Cambridge office, team members will have the unique opportunity to shape the culture of a new office while benefiting from the resources and infrastructure of an established, growing firm. The firm operates a hybrid working model, offering flexibility between office-based and remote work. Regular in-person collaboration is encouraged, particularly for client meetings, team strategy sessions, and professional development activities. Michelmores invests significantly in its people, providing access to high-quality training, mentoring programmes, and clear pathways for career progression.

Candidate Requirements

Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with a minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience (PQE) in private wealth, trusts, estates, and tax planning.
Demonstrated experience managing a portfolio of high-net-worth private clients with complex and cross-jurisdictional matters.
Strong technical knowledge of UK inheritance tax, capital gains tax, trust law, and relevant legislation including the Inheritance Tax Act 1984, Trustee Act 2000, and Finance Act provisions.
Proven business development track record with the ability to generate new client instructions and build sustainable referral relationships.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts in clear, accessible language to clients.
Experience supervising junior lawyers or support staff, with a commitment to mentoring and team development.
Proficiency in legal practice management systems such as LEAP, Clio, or Proclaim, and standard Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Familiarity with legal research tools including Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Practical Law.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
A genuine interest in contributing to the growth of a new office and practice area within a regional firm.

Benefits and Compensation

Competitive senior-level salary commensurate with experience and the Cambridge legal market.
Performance-related bonus scheme linked to individual and team billable targets.
25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional days.
Private medical insurance and employee assistance programme.
Pension scheme with employer contributions.
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
Generous continuing professional development (CPD) budget and study support.
Relocation assistance available for candidates moving to the Cambridge area.
Opportunity for equity participation or senior leadership progression as the Cambridge office grows.

Career Growth

This role offers exceptional long-term career potential. As a founding member of the Cambridge Private Wealth team, you will have direct input into the strategic direction of the practice. The firm has a clear track record of promoting from within, and senior lawyers in new offices are well-positioned to take on leadership roles — including Head of Department, Office Managing Partner, or Board-level positions — as the firm continues to expand.

How to Apply

If you are a senior private wealth lawyer based in Cambridge or considering a move to the East of England and are interested in this opportunity, we would be delighted to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV and a brief covering note outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role. All applications will be treated in strict confidence. Initial enquiries can be directed to klewis@codexedge.com. Early applications are encouraged, as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis ahead of the April 2026 office launch.