Author
Author
Introduction
As a trainee in the Tax, Trusts & Succession (TTS) team, I’ve quickly realised that success in private client law is as much about understanding people as it is understanding the law. Our clients often approach us during pivotal life moments: planning their estates, navigating complex family dynamics, or managing personal wealth across generations. In these situations, soft skills are just as critical as technical legal knowledge. This blog reflects on how I’ve seen these skills play out in practice.
The art of clear client communication
Unlike business clients, who usually engage with the firm in a professional capacity, private clients often have limited experience with legal or financial services. This makes it essential to explain technical concepts such as inheritance tax, estate planning, or trust structures in a way that is clear and easy to understand.
As a trainee, much of your learning will come from observing how senior colleagues present complex ideas in a way that makes sense to clients. You will also be responsible for drafting letters and emails in a clear and client-friendly tone, whether you are setting out advice or explaining documents we have prepared on their behalf. The ability to communicate clearly and appropriately is not just helpful but an essential part of delivering strong private client service.
Why empathy is essential in private client work
Private clients often come to us during emotionally difficult moments in their lives, such as after the death of a loved one or during family conflict. Estate planning can be a particularly sensitive topic, as it requires clients to consider their own mortality and often involves navigating complex family relationships. It is essential to approach these conversations with empathy and care.
Making sure that clients feel heard and understood is a vital part of the process. Every client will have their own values, experiences, and communication style, and it is important to respect that. Your role is to support and guide them in making decisions that reflect their wishes, while remaining patient if they need time to process their options. One of the most important lessons in this area of law is that emotional intelligence is valued just as highly as legal knowledge.
Learning by doing: how trainees develop these skills
As a trainee, these skills are developed through experience. Attending a client meeting allows you to observe how senior lawyers navigate complex conversations. At Michelmores, trainees are given excellent opportunities for client contact, which are invaluable for building confidence and developing these interpersonal skills.
Drafting correspondence to clients and reflecting on feedback allows you to practise explaining complex matters in a client-friendly way. You begin to recognise how to tailor your communication to suit each situation. Over time, you start to build the confidence to engage more directly and thoughtfully, both with clients and within the team. These are not skills that are picked up overnight, rather skills which are shaped and strengthened with each interaction.
Final reflections: people skills as the foundation of private client practice
Private clients place significant value on the personal relationship they have with their solicitor. The ability to build that relationship, to empathise with, and understand the client, is fundamental to this area of practice.
For trainees, every conversation and client meeting present an opportunity to develop these skills. The ability to grow in this area, alongside achieving the expected standard of technical excellence, is key to succeeding in the role and delivering a service clients truly value.