Head of Department- Private Client

Overview

In this role you will lead and grow the Private Client department within a well-regarded firm, driving strategic direction and service quality. You will manage complex probate, estates, trusts and Court of Protection work while mentoring the team and expanding Court of Protection capabilities. The role combines senior leadership with hands-on delivery and business development, supported by an established platform and collaborative culture. You will work with cross-functional partners to shape a growth-focused, high-quality private client practice. This is a senior, influential position with long-term potential in a hybrid environment.

Pay / Benefits

• Hybrid working: 2-3 days from home
• 25 days’ annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Health cash-back plan
• Bonus (included in overall package)

Responsibilities

• Lead the Private Client department and set strategic direction
• Manage complex probate, estates, trusts, and Court of Protection work
• Mentor and develop the team, including succession planning
• Grow Court of Protection services and drive business development
• Contribute to firm growth with a commercial, client-focused mindset
• Represent the department within the firm and with external clients
• Collaborate with other teams to ensure high-quality service delivery

Key requirements

• Senior Private Client solicitor with strong technical expertise
• Leadership capability and experience supervising or managing others
• Significant probate and estate experience
• Solid Court of Protection knowledge and exposure to complex matters
• Commercial, growth-focused mindset and client-facing empathy
• STEP qualification (or working toward) and contentious probate experience advantageous

• leadership and mentorship
• commercial mindset
• empathy and client focus
• probate
• estates
• trusts

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