Private Client Partner - Focus on Work-Life balance - Head of Department

QED Legal; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking law firm in Manchester is seeking a Private Client Partner to lead its department. This role offers a balanced work environment focused on quality client service, with no expectation of out-of-hours contact. The ideal candidate is a senior solicitor with 10+ years PQE, STEP qualified, and a strong leader dedicated to mentoring others. Benefits include a competitive salary, hybrid work model, and private healthcare.

Benefits

Competitive Partner-level salary

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Christmas closure with no holiday deduction

Hybrid working model

Qualifications

• Senior Private Client solicitor with typically 10+ years PQE.
• Experience in leadership and mentoring.
• Strong technical and commercial awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Private Client department and mentor other solicitors.
• Maintain a manageable caseload with a focus on quality work.
• Ensure no expectation of out-of-hours contact.

Skills

Leadership

Client service commitment

Collaboration

Commercial awareness

Education

STEP qualification

Job description

A unique and highly attractive opportunity has arisen for a Private Client Partner to join and lead the Private Client department at a forward-thinking, ethically driven firm that truly values its people. This is not your typical legal role, the firm has consciously redefined the structure of its departments to prioritise quality over quantity, giving senior lawyers the time and space to think, mentor, and deliver outstanding client service without burnout.

This is an ideal position for an experienced Private Client lawyer (likely 10+ PQE) who is either already in a leadership position or ready to step up — and who wants to lead with balance, not burnout.


Why This Role Stands Out

• No following required – the department enjoys a steady and consistent pipeline of quality work from internal and external sources.
  
• Manageable, realistic caseloads – designed to give lawyers the space to strategise, reflect, and support others, rather than firefight.
  
• 9 to 5 means 9 to 5 – with no expectation of emails on phones or out-of-hours contact.
  
• Hybrid working model – work from home 2–3 days a week.
  
• Collaborative team culture – you’ll lead by mentoring, not micromanaging.
  
• Excellent support staff and operational systems – so you can focus on leadership, service delivery, and people.

Requirements

• Senior Private Client solicitor – typically 10+ years PQE, with significant experience and a clear leadership approach.
  
• STEP qualified
  
• Natural leader with a collaborative mindset and interest in developing others.
  
• Technically strong and commercially aware.
  
• No following required – but strong commitment to client service and departmental growth is essential.
  

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive Partner-level salary
  
• Bonus scheme
  
• Private healthcare
  
• Pension scheme
  
• Christmas closure (no need to use holiday allowance)
  
• Hybrid working (2–3 days from home)
  
• No emails on phones – no expectation to be “always on”