Head of Wills and Probate

Office Angels; Derby; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected family-run law firm in Derby is seeking a Head of Wills and Probate to lead its Private Client department. The role involves managing a caseload, mentoring team members, and ensuring compliance with legal standards while fostering strong client relationships and departmental efficiency.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Flexible working arrangements considered

Opportunities for career progression

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with at least 5 years' PQE in Private Client law.
• Extensive experience managing Wills, Probate, LPAs, and Trusts.
• Strong understanding of estate planning, tax implications, and elderly client law.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise all aspects of wills, probate, estate administration, and trusts.
• Lead and motivate a small team, ensuring efficient workload management.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, delivering high-quality legal advice.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Client-care

Problem-solving

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive

Job description

Job Title: Head of Wills and Probate
Location: Derby
Reports to: Managing Director / Senior Partner

Company Overview

A highly respected and successful family-run law firm based in Derby is seeking a dedicated and experienced Head of Wills and Probate to lead its growing Private Client department. With an outstanding local reputation, long-standing client relationships, and consistently excellent reviews, the firm prides itself on providing a personalised and compassionate service. You will be joining a supportive and established team in a business that genuinely values people-both staff and clients alike.

Role Summary

As Head of Wills and Probate, you will lead and develop the department, managing a varied caseload while providing strategic oversight and mentoring to team members. This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and client-focused professional to take on a key leadership position in a trusted and expanding practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise all aspects of wills, probate, estate administration, trusts, LPAs, and Court of Protection matters.
  
• Lead and motivate a small but highly capable team, ensuring efficient workload management and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
  
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, delivering high-quality legal advice with sensitivity and care.
  
• Review and improve processes within the department to drive efficiency and client service excellence.
  
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the firm, supporting business development, marketing, and growth plans.
  
• Oversee and ensure full compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct, AML regulations, GDPR, and internal policies.
  
• Support the training and development of junior staff and colleagues within the department.
  

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with at least 5 years' PQE in Private Client law.
  
• Extensive experience managing a caseload of Wills, Probate, LPAs, and Trusts.
  
• Demonstrated leadership or team management experience.
  
• Strong understanding of estate planning, tax implications, and elderly client law.
  
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and client-care skills.
  
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities with a meticulous attention to detail.
  

What We Offer

• A leadership role in a highly regarded, family-run firm with a loyal client base.
  
• Friendly and supportive team culture.
  
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
  
• Flexible working arrangements considered.
  
• Opportunities for career progression and continued professional development.
  

Office Angels is an employment agency and business. We are an equal-opportunities employer who puts expertise, energy and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities and more. By showcasing talents, skills and unique experiences in an inclusive environment, we help individuals thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

Office Angels acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Office Angels UK is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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