Working with Estate First

I have been working at Estate First Lawyers since 2011 (being a 3 years PAE lawyer at that stage). My background prior to joining the firm was in general commercial law at a mid-sized firm, incorporating some estate planning work. What attracted me to Estate First Lawyers from the outset was the ability to focus on an area of law that I loved but which was still broad enough to encompass some general commercial aspects.

Since starting at Estate first Lawyers, it has grown from strength to strength both in its processes and size. This has been driven by the team’s dedication to honing the systems, precedents and processes to enable lawyers to effectively use almost all of their time on what they are good at (namely practising law).

Being one of the long-standing members of staff, I have had the opportunity to see the firm grow and develop. This has not been by chance but rather has been a targeted endeavour to focus on getting good quality work, retaining good quality staff, and honing the systems, precedents and processes. As a result, I enjoy ‘top tier’ quality work, plenty of support (from the bottom to the top), manageable KPIs/budget and consequently a decent work/life balance.

Another unique feature of working at Estate First Lawyers has been the genuine dedication of the lawyers to a collaborative and team orientated culture. Staff have the genuine ability to progress at the pace and as high as they wish with a competitive salary and incentives along with ongoing training and education.

Prior to joining EF in early 2023, my growth as a Wills and Estate Planning enthusiast developed largely through self-direction and without the benefit of additional peers focussed on this area of law, leaving me acting in a largely sole role within other firms. Arriving at Estate First Lawyers I have enjoyed being surrounded by those passionate about this area of the law and I have been able to consolidate my practical experience and knowledge working amongst these legal professionals focussed on providing solutions to complex situations. The extensive support team and focussed strategies provide a constant flow of client facing appointments already booked into my diary, enabling me to be hands-on in the advice division, whilst the process driven parts of the role are handled by our able and friendly support team, leaving me with the legal interpretation and complex drafting.

I take pleasure in the atmosphere of encouragement and support of all staff members no matter what their role in the firm, and the respectful and considerate interactions with each other which allow our team to all work well together. My experience over the last 20 years has shown me that the role of management and systems in any business is crucial and whilst the water may appear smooth on the surface, the mad scrabbling beneath the surface can be stressful and counter-productive. At Estate First the systems and management are clear, the workload is consistent and the ability to meet budget is simplified, whilst the processes allow effective use of time, all resulting in client-focussed outcomes.

I joined Estate First as a 2nd year PAE lawyer so that I could focus on estate law, having previously worked in a small general practice since being admitted. The firm has a positive and supportive environment that really values its people and their professional growth. From day one, the team has invested time and resources into my learning which has been invaluable to me as an early career lawyer.

I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside a team of highly skilled, expert lawyers who are passionate about what they do and are focused on providing the highest quality service and delivering exceptional results for their clients.

The firm has cultivated an environment that is engaging and motivating and being a part of the team here has not only enhanced my skills as a lawyer but has also made the experience incredibly rewarding and enjoyable.

As someone who has a passion for estate law, these have been some of the standout aspects of working at Estate First Lawyers and I feel confident that the firm has helped me develop a strong foundation for my legal career.

I have had the privilege of working as a Paralegal at Estate First Lawyers for the past two years, where I have been part of a dedicated team specializing in estate planning and estate administration. My time at EFL has been transformative, both personally and professionally.

Upon joining EFL, I was immediately struck by the depth of knowledge and expertise within the firm. Working under the guidance of lawyers, including Accredited Specialists, I’ve experienced substantial growth in my skills and understanding of estate law. The firm’s open-door policy fosters a culture of mentorship and continuous learning, providing invaluable opportunities for junior colleagues like myself to thrive. This commitment to mentorship has not only enhanced my capabilities in estate law but has also equipped me with the skills and confidence to embark on my career as a junior lawyer.

EFL places a high value on having well-established systems and is continuously building upon their comprehensive file of precedents. These resources enable us to streamline our workflow and operate efficiently without compromising on quality.

Beyond the professional realm, EFL nurtures a vibrant and inclusive team culture. From generous monthly team prizes, including cocktail events, Uber Eats vouchers, and cash prizes, to our annual staff Christmas parties, there’s a genuine sense of camaraderie that permeates throughout the firm.