Why soft skills are vital for advisers

Private client law is often viewed through a technical lens, particularly when it comes to Wills, probate, tax, capacity, and estate planning. But beneath the legal frameworks lies a reality that many practitioners know all too well: this area of law is deeply human, emotionally demanding, and often shaped by challenging conversations.

Having the ability to address such issues, to explore client values and the things they treasure most - from loved ones to good causes – is crucial. It can be a key way to deepen client relationships. And these skills are particularly beneficial when talking about charitable legacies.

This blog summarises some key learnings from an insightful For Legal webinar, presented by Julie Bell, Consultant Solicitor at Read Roper and Read Solicitors, where she explores the critical soft skills private client professionals need, covering difficult conversations and professional boundaries through to personal safety and spotting undue influence.

Recognising the emotional weight that can come with estate planning

The reality of private client work: conversations around death, bereavement, loss of capacity, family disputes, inheritance, and care planning are not occasional challenges - they are often part of the day-to-day role. While these conversations may become routine for practitioners, they are deeply significant for clients.

Julie highlights the importance of recognising the emotional weight of this work and how easily legal professionals can underestimate the impact it has on their own wellbeing. She shares practical advice on how practitioners can acknowledge these pressures, communicate them safely, and avoid carrying the emotional burden alone.

Practical tips for managing difficult client conversations

When it comes to managing difficult client conversations, Julie explores how lawyers can guide discussions effectively and set clear professional boundaries. Clients may need space to share their circumstances, but practitioners must balance empathy with focus, ensuring they gather the information they need without becoming overwhelmed by unnecessary detail.

It can be risky to take instructions when emotions are running high. So, if a client is distressed, angry, or unable to process advice clearly, she advises pausing the meeting and revisiting the conversation at a later date.

Protection for clients and practitioners

Personal safety is also a key issue that can be overlooked in private client practice. From home visits to unplanned office meetings, Julie talks through practical strategies to help lawyers protect themselves, trust their instincts, and think ahead when entering unfamiliar or potentially high-risk situations.

This includes maintaining professional boundaries and managing expectations to switching off outside working hours, she offers practical, realistic strategies for avoiding burnout in a profession where long hours and emotional pressure are common.

Spotting the warning signs for undue influence

Undue influence is a complex and significant area of risk in Wills and estate planning but spotting the warning signs isn’t always easy. Julie’s advice is to look out for sudden changes to longstanding instructions, signs of financial dependency, and the presence of dominant third parties in meetings. She reinforces the benefit of seeing clients alone wherever possible, helping to ensure instructions are genuine and free from pressure.

A key takeaway is that resilience isn’t just about coping—it’s about creating healthy boundaries and recognising when you need support.

This webinar, which is free for our Campaign Supporters for 30 days (use code RACSS), serves as an important reminder that while technical expertise is essential in private client law, soft skills are often what make the biggest difference.

Remember A Charity partners with For Legal to deliver CPD training for private client advisers. Campaign Supporters can gain a 50% discount on their subscription to the platform by using code RAC50. Explore the training sessions here and For Legal’s training plans here.