Head of Department - Private Client - 4 years+ PQE

Chadwick Nott; England; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established law firm in Somerset & Avon is seeking a Head of Department for their Private Client team. This is an office-based role with potential for hybrid flexibility. The ideal candidate will have over 4 years PQE and strong leadership credentials, responsible for managing a team and ensuring compliance while promoting departmental growth. Competitive salary and benefits are offered in a friendly, collaborative culture.

Benefits

33 days holiday including bank holidays

Bonus scheme

Pension enrolment after 3 months' probation

Supportive leadership and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 4 years PQE and proven leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Private Client department and manage a team of fee earners and support staff.
• Ensure individual fee earner targets are met.
• Manage billing, payments, and departmental cash flow.

Skills

Strong technical knowledge of Private Client law

Effective team management and mentoring skills

Commercial awareness and strategic thinking

Commitment to client service and professional standards

Ability to lead departmental growth and development

Education

Qualified Solicitor or FCILEx

Job description

Overview

Head of Department - Private Client - 4 years+ PQE - Somerset & Avon
Location: Somerset & Avon (Office-based with flexibility considered Hybrid options)
Hours: Full time
Salary: £65,000 to £70,000 (Depending on experience)
PQE: 4 years+ (Leadership role with scope for strategic influence)

Chadwick Nott are pleased to be working with a well-established high street law firm with offices across Somerset and Avon, currently seeking a Head of Department to lead their Private Client team. This is an excellent opportunity for a Solicitor or Legal Executive with strong leadership credentials to take on a senior role in a firm known for its approachable culture, loyal client base, and community presence. You\'ll be joining a collaborative team and will play a key role in shaping the department\'s future.

The Role

You will oversee the Private Client department and manage a team of fee earners and support staff. Responsibilities include:

• Day-to-day departmental management and matter distribution
• Supervision of junior fee earners
• Oversight of support services and team coordination
• Ensuring individual fee earner targets are met
• Maintaining compliant and up-to-date electronic files
• Time recording and management reporting
• Promoting internal referrals and cross-departmental collaboration
• Ensuring Lexcel and internal policy compliance
• Managing billing, payments, and departmental cash flow
• Identifying and developing fee-earning opportunities
• Leading marketing and business development for the department

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a qualified Solicitor or FCILEx with at least 4 years PQE and proven leadership experience. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong technical knowledge of Private Client law
• Effective team management and mentoring skills
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
• Commitment to client service and professional standards
• Ability to lead departmental growth and development

Location & Working Arrangements

• Based across the firm\'s offices in Frome, Midsomer Norton, and Keynsham. While the role is primarily office-based, flexibility may be considered for the right candidate.

Why Join

• This high street firm offers a friendly, collaborative culture with deep community ties. You\'ll be part of a team that values integrity, professionalism, and personal service-without the pressure of excessive targets.

Benefits

• In addition to a competitive salary, the firm offers:
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Bonus scheme
• Pension enrolment after 3 months\' probation
• Supportive leadership and career development opportunities

If you would like a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please get in touch. Whether you are actively seeking your next role or simply exploring the market, I would be happy to speak with you:

Phone: [phone]
Mobile: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Olivia Reed | LinkedIn

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and supporting our clients in doing the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, or background. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note this is intended as a guideline only.

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of our personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*