Head of Private Client

Clayton Legal; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matched pension contributions up to 5%

Death in Service benefit

Extended maternity leave 18 weeks full

Paternity leave 2 weeks

Staff discounts on legal services

Free wills for staff

Discounted travel incl. Railcards

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Clayton Legal in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a senior Private Client solicitor to lead the established department. You will oversee a growing team, provide expert advice on wills, trusts, estate planning, probate and tax matters, and drive client relationships and business development.

The role focuses on leadership, technical excellence, and ongoing professional development, with a strong emphasis on mentoring and developing others within a collaborative firm culture.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with 8+ years' PQE in Private Client work.
• Strong background in estate planning, trusts, tax and probate.
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience.
• Willingness to pursue STEP qualification if not held.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Private Client team.
• Advise on wills, trusts, estate planning, probate and tax matters.
• Develop department strategy and drive growth.
• Support career development and training of team members.
• Drive business development and strengthen client relationships.
• Ensure regulatory and legal compliance.

Skills

Estate planning

Trusts

Tax

Probate

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Solicitor qualification

STEP qualification desirable

Job description

A senior opportunity with genuine leadership potential

Our client is offering an excellent opportunity for an experienced Private Client Solicitor to take the lead of an established and growing Private Client Department.

With a strong reputation and a forward-thinking approach, our client is looking for a senior solicitor who is not only technically excellent, but who genuinely enjoys developing people, delivering outstanding client service and shaping the future direction of a successful team.

The benefits package includes:

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
• Staff bonus scheme - available after one completed financial year
• Pension with matched contributions up to 5%
• Death in Service benefit of four times annual salary
• 18 weeks' full-pay maternity leave, followed by 8 weeks at half pay for eligible employees
• Two weeks' full-pay paternity leave
• Additional contractual adoption and shared parental leave pay
• Up to 20 days' sickness pay
• Christmas Club savings scheme
• Friends and family discount on legal services
• Free wills for staff
• Discounted travel schemes, including POP cards and Railcards
• Discounted city-centre car parking
• Paid time off for fertility treatment
• Supportive, inclusive working environment
• Genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression

The opportunity

The successful candidate will lead and manage the Private Client team, creating a culture built around collaboration, technical excellence and continuous development.

The role will combine hands-on legal expertise with strategic leadership, including advising on wills, trusts, estate planning, probate and tax matters, while providing supervision, mentoring and training across the department.

They will also play a key role in:

• Developing and implementing the department's strategy
• Supporting the continued growth of the Private Client offering
• Driving business development and strengthening client relationships
• Encouraging knowledge sharing and best practice
• Ensuring high standards of regulatory and legal compliance
• Supporting the career development and progression of team members

The team

The successful solicitor will inherit an established and varied team comprising an Associate Solicitor, Solicitor, Trainee Solicitor, Paralegal, two Personal Assistants, Customer Relationship Manager and Administration Assistant.

They will also become part of the wider management structure, working alongside the firm's partners and other department heads.

About you

Our client is looking for a qualified solicitor with 8+ years' PQE and a strong background in Private Client work.

You'll ideally bring:

• Strong technical expertise across estate planning, trusts, tax and probate
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience
• A genuine passion for mentoring and developing others
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A supportive, approachable leadership style
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to business development
• The confidence to contribute at a strategic management level
• STEP qualification, or a willingness to work towards it, is highly desirable

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior Private Client solicitor who is ready to step into a genuine leadership position, develop a talented team and help shape the next stage of an established department's growth.