Partner & Head of Private Client

Gordons Partnership; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gordons Partnership seeks an experienced Private Client Partner to lead the Private Client team in Guildford, developing high-value client work and driving growth across the department.

The role combines leadership, business development and strategic direction, with the opportunity to shape the future of the Private Client practice within the Firm.

Qualifications

• Substantial Private Client experience, typically 8+ years PQE.
• Experience advising on complex and high-value Private Client matters.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• A genuine interest in developing and mentoring others.
• A strong track record of business development and building client relationships.
• An established network of professional contacts and referrers, or the ability to develop one.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the financial drivers of a successful legal practice.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading, supporting and developing the Private Client team.
• Advising on complex and high-value Private Client matters.
• Developing relationships with high-net-worth clients, professional referrers and introducers.
• Generating new business and identifying opportunities to grow the practice.
• Developing cross-referral opportunities across the Firm.
• Taking responsibility for the commercial and financial performance of the department.
• Maintaining excellent standards of client care, supervision and compliance.
• Playing an active role as a Partner in the development of the Firm.

Skills

Private Client experience

Leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Mentoring

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Private Client Partner to lead and develop our Private Client team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Private Client lawyer who enjoys combining high-quality client work with leadership, business development and the opportunity to shape the future direction of a department.

You may already be a Partner or Head of Department, or an experienced senior Private Client lawyer ready to take the next step in your career.

This is a senior and influential role offering the opportunity to lead an established Private Client practice while helping shape its future growth.

You will have the autonomy to develop the department, build on existing client and referrer relationships and identify new opportunities, while working collaboratively with Partners and colleagues across the Firm.

For the right individual, this represents an opportunity to make a genuine impact on both the Private Client department and the wider Firm.

The Role

As Partner & Head of Private Client, you will take responsibility for the leadership, performance and continued growth of the department while managing your own portfolio of high-quality Private Client work.

Your role will include:

• Leading, supporting and developing the Private Client team.
• Advising on complex and high-value Private Client matters, including wills, probate, trusts, tax and succession planning and Powers of Attorney.
• Developing relationships with HNW clients, professional referrers and introducers.
• Generating new business and identifying opportunities to grow the practice.
• Developing cross-referral opportunities across the Firm.
• Taking responsibility for the commercial and financial performance of the department.
• Maintaining excellent standards of client care, supervision and compliance.
• Playing an active role as a Partner in the development of the Firm.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical Private Client expertise with a commercial and people-focused approach.

You are likely to have:

• Substantial Private Client experience, typically 8+ years PQE.
• Experience advising on complex and high-value Private Client matters.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• A genuine interest in developing and mentoring others.
• A strong track record of business development and building client relationships.
• An established network of professional contacts and referrers, or the ability to develop one.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the financial drivers of a successful legal practice.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

STEP membership or other relevant specialist accreditation would be advantageous but is not essential.

About the Firm

The Firm, with offices in London and Guildford, offer a range of legal services. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a collaborative team with plenty of opportunity for progression working from either office.

Gordons Partnership is an employee-owned Firm, meaning that all employees have a direct interest in ensuring that the Firm continues to deliver excellent services to its clients. We are an inclusive workplace, and our goal is to ensure that our workforce is truly representative reflecting the wide range of experiences, perspectives and ideas that strengthen our Firm.

We recognise that family and home life are essential factors to consider and we support our team with flexible working arrangements and remote work options to ensure that we help each individual achieve a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.