Private client solicitors are not human.
They can’t be—because no ordinary human could handle the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the job.
So many people think we just sit at our desks drafting Wills or filling out forms for probate. But those people haven’t seen the reality: the phone calls where a grieving widow breaks down in tears; the late-night emails from a sibling raging over who got the family home; or the hours spent trying to explain complex tax laws to someone who’d much rather be anywhere else.
Private client solicitors are a strange mix of thick-skinned and empathetic. We deal with people at their most vulnerable—when they’re grieving, angry, confused, or sometimes all three. We have to navigate family politics that make soap operas look tame, while still giving level-headed, practical advice. And yes, sometimes that means sitting down with someone who’s furious because “Uncle Bob didn’t leave me the car he promised 20 years ago.”
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the law. It’s about people. Real people with complicated relationships, emotions, and lives. We’re there to help them through what can be one of the hardest periods they’ll ever face. It’s not just about writing a Will; it’s about making sure someone’s life work is honored. It’s not just about distributing an estate; it’s about helping families heal—or at least not break apart further.
And don’t forget the mental load we carry. We’re often the ones absorbing a client’s pain so they can walk away feeling just a little lighter. That’s not in the job description, but it’s part of the deal. It’s tough, but it’s also what makes the work so rewarding.
So no, we’re not just Will writers. We’re problem-solvers, grief counselors, mediators, and—let’s face it—punching bags sometimes. It’s not glamorous, but it’s important. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
