Head of Private Client

Austen Lloyd; Kettering; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive law firm seeks a Head of Private Clients to lead its Private Clients Department. This role involves providing expert legal advice, managing complex estate matters, and overseeing a team. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience and strong leadership skills, contributing to the firm’s growth and vision.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in private client work, particularly in estate and trust matters.
• Demonstrated leadership in a legal setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on estate planning and trust management.
• Lead estate and trust administration cases with oversight on investments and property sales.
• Supervise legal staff and manage professional development plans.

Skills

Leadership

Client-focused approach

Interpersonal skills

Job description

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Head of Private Clients – Leadership Role

Overview:
A well-regarded and progressive law firm is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead its Private Clients Department. This senior position offers the opportunity to shape and grow a key area of the firm, combining legal expertise with strategic and operational leadership. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical capability, commercial awareness, and a proactive approach to team management and client service.

Key Responsibilities:

The role comprises both legal/fee-earning duties and departmental leadership responsibilities:

Legal & Fee-Earning Responsibilities

Provide expert legal advice on estate planning, trust management, and inheritance tax.

Manage complex estate administration matters, including high-value assets, tax relief claims, and contentious family matters.

Advise on Court of Protection applications, statutory Wills, and lifetime gifting.

Lead estate and trust administration cases with strategic oversight on investments, property sales, and distributions.

Ensure compliance with AML, KYC, and file management standards, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.

Build and maintain strong client relationships, with a focus on retention and cross-referral opportunities.

Contribute to the development of the department through mentoring and collaboration with junior team members.

Support financial growth by meeting departmental KPIs and revenue targets.

Participate in firm-wide risk management, marketing, and business development initiatives.

Supervise legal staff, monitor performance metrics, and support professional development.

Communicate business plans and targets clearly across the team.

Lead regular team meetings and performance reviews to drive quality and efficiency.

Supervise, mentor, and delegate work to junior staff, including trainees and paralegals.

Conduct appraisals, set objectives, and manage professional development plans.

Oversee daily operational matters including attendance, holiday scheduling, and resource planning.

Attend internal review meetings with senior leadership and contribute to strategic discussions.

Ensure timely and accurate administrative processes including billing, time recording, and invoicing.

Candidate Profile:

Significant experience in private client work, particularly in estate and trust matters.

Demonstrated leadership in a legal setting, with a track record of team management and business development.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a client-focused approach.

Comfortable working independently and collaboratively at a senior level.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior private client lawyer looking to take a leadership role within a forward-thinking and supportive environment. The position offers scope for influence, professional growth, and meaningful contribution to the firm’s long-term vision.