Private Client Solicitor Head of Department

LJ Recruitment Limited; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Newcastle upon Tyne-based law practice seeks an experienced Head of Private Client to lead and develop the department. The role combines legal expertise with people leadership, delivering exceptional client service and strategic direction.

You will shape the department’s future, support colleagues, and drive performance in a senior leadership capacity. The ideal candidate will bring significant Private Client experience, a track record of managing complex matters, and the credibility to lead at

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Private Client law, especially wills and probate.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop a department.
• Strong commercial awareness and client-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Private Client department.
• Mentor solicitors, fee earners and support staff.
• Oversee a varied Private Client caseload with wills/probate expertise.
• Ensure high standards of client care and legal service.
• Monitor performance, workflows and financial metrics.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and client journey enhancements.
• Support business development and growth of the department.
• Collaborate with other departments and senior leadership.

Skills

Private Client law

Wills & probate

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Client service

Education

Qualified solicitor (Private Client)

Job description

Head of Private Client - Newcastle upon Tyne

Lead a team. Shape a department. Make a meaningful difference.

We're delighted to be working with a well-established and highly regarded legal practice in Newcastle upon Tyne to recruit an experienced Head of Private Client to lead and develop their Private Client department.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Private Client lawyer who is ready to take the next step into a senior leadership position. You'll combine your technical expertise with strong people leadership, commercial awareness and a genuine commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the department, supporting the development of colleagues, driving operational performance and maintaining the highest standards of legal service.

The Role

As Head of Private Client, you'll have overall responsibility for the leadership, performance and development of the department.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic leadership and direction for the Private Client department.
• Managing, mentoring and developing solicitors, fee earners and support staff.
• Overseeing a varied Private Client caseload, with particular expertise in wills, probate and related matters.
• Ensuring the department delivers consistently high standards of client care and legal advice.
• Managing complex and sensitive matters where required, acting as a senior point of escalation.
• Monitoring departmental performance, workflows, financial performance and key operational metrics.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and the overall client journey.
• Supporting business development and contributing to the continued growth and profile of the department.
• Working collaboratively with other departments and senior leadership to deliver wider organisational objectives.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulation and professional standards.
• Supporting a culture of continuous learning, development and professional excellence.

About You

We're looking for an experienced Private Client Solicitor or senior Private Client lawyer who is ready to take ownership of a department and make a genuine leadership impact.

You'll ideally bring:

• Significant experience across Private Client law, particularly wills and probate.
• A strong track record of managing complex matters and delivering excellent client outcomes.
• Previous experience of supervising, mentoring or managing legal professionals.
• The confidence and credibility to lead a team and influence at senior level.
• Strong commercial and operational awareness, alongside excellent technical legal knowledge.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive approach to business development and identifying opportunities for departmental growth.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A commitment to developing people and creating a positive, high-performing team culture.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is more than a traditional legal leadership position. It's an opportunity to shape the direction of an established Private Client department, develop talented professionals and make a lasting impact on the quality of service provided to clients.

You'll benefit from:

• Departmental leadership: Take ownership of the strategy, performance and development of the Private Client team.
• People development: Mentor and support experienced professionals while helping to shape the next generation of talent.
• Strategic influence: Work closely with senior leadership and play an important role in wider organisational decisions.
• Professional autonomy: Have the freedom and responsibility to identify improvements and implement meaningful change.
• Career progression: Join a senior leadership environment where your expertise and ideas can have real influence.
• Meaningful work: Continue to deliver a client-focused service that makes a genuine difference to individuals and families.

Ready for Your Next Leadership Challenge?

If you're an experienced Private Client professional who is ready to lead, develop and grow a department, we'd love to hear from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to step into a senior position where you can combine legal expertise, people leadership and strategic thinking.

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