Head of Department - Private Client

Battens Solicitor Limited; Wareham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable law firm based in the UK is seeking an experienced leader for the Head of Private Client Department role. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a team of 30 professionals across multiple offices, setting strategic direction, and ensuring high standards in complex areas of law. Candidates must have minimum 10 years of PQE in private client law, particularly in Trusts, and exhibit strong leadership and problem-solving skills. This position offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Benefits

Group pension scheme

Income protection

25 days annual leave, increasing to 30

Free conveyancing

Recruitment bonus scheme

Birthday leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Critical illness cover

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in team leadership and departmental management.
• Strong expertise in private client law ideally including Trusts.
• Confidence in managing performance and driving growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 30 across 7 offices.
• Set and implement the department's strategic direction.
• Ensure high service standards in trusts, wills, probate, and estate planning.

Skills

Team leadership

Departmental management

Private client law

Problem-solving

Performance management

Education

10 years PQE

Job description

Overview

Head of Private Client Department

Location : Based in our Wareham office, covering our 7 offices in the Southwest

Team Size : 30 professionals

Salary : Competitive, with excellent benefits

Battens Solicitors is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to head our Private Client Department. This is a rare opportunity to take charge of a well-established team, shape its future, and make a lasting impact across our network of offices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 30 across 7 offices.
• Set and implement the department's strategic direction.
• Ensure high standards of service in complex areas including trusts, wills, probate, and estate planning.
• Oversee all aspects of employee management, with support from our HR team.
• Handle client relationships with professionalism and care.
• Lead and conduct business development.
• The role will include growth, technical skill and supervision.
• Running your own caseload.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in team leadership and departmental management.
• Strong expertise in private client law ideally including Trusts.
• A collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Confidence in managing performance, mentoring staff, and driving growth.
• Minimum 10 years PQE

Benefits Package

• We offer a generous and supportive benefits package, including :
• Group pension scheme with salary sacrifice and a 4% employer contribution
• Income protection
• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with length of service
• Free conveyancing and discounted legal services
• Recruitment bonus scheme
• Birthday leave - enjoy an extra day off on your Birthday
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Critical illness cover
• Life assurance from your first day of employment

Ready to lead with purpose and make a difference? Apply now to join a firm that values expertise, innovation, and people.