Senior Private Client Lawyer / Head of Department

Douglas Scott Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Leadership opportunity

Career development

Established client base

Job summary

Douglas Scott Ltd in Surrey seeks an experienced Senior Private Client Lawyer to join and lead the department. The role involves managing a high-quality caseload while driving growth, networking, and maintaining key referrer relationships.

Ideal candidates will be technically strong, able to work independently, and ready to assume Head of Department responsibilities within a respected regional firm. Competitive salary with progression prospects.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, legal executive or equivalent with private client experience.
• Significant experience in Private Client law.
• Ability to manage complex matters with minimal supervision.
• Strong business development and networking skills.
• Excellent client care and communication abilities.
• Commercially aware with proactive approach.
• STEP and/or SFE qualification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage a broad private client caseload from instruction to completion.
• Provide expert legal advice to clients and colleagues.
• Develop and maintain client and referrer relationships.
• Lead and support departmental growth initiatives.
• Participate in marketing and networking activities.
• Ensure high standards of client care and regulatory compliance.
• Meet billing and performance targets for a senior fee-earner.
• Supervise and mentor team members where appropriate.

Skills

Private client law

Wills and estate planning

Leadership

Business development

Networking

Client care

Education

Qualified Solicitor / Legal Executive or equivalent

Job description

Surrey | Full-Time or Part-Time | Competitive Salary + Career Progression

An established and highly regarded Surrey law firm is seeking an experienced Senior Private Client Lawyer to join its growing team and take on a leadership role within the department. This opportunity has arisen due to continued growth in client instructions and referrals, alongside succession planning within the existing management structure.

This role would suit a technically strong private client specialist looking to step into, or further develop, a Head of Department position within a supportive and well-respected practice.

The Role

You will manage a varied and high-quality caseload of private client matters while helping to drive the continued growth and development of the department. The successful candidate will be capable of handling matters independently and will play an active role in business development, networking, and maintaining key referrer relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a broad private client caseload from instruction through to completion


• Providing expert legal advice to clients and colleagues across the firm


• Developing and maintaining strong client and referrer relationships


• Leading and supporting departmental growth initiatives


• Participating in marketing and networking activities


• Ensuring high standards of client care and regulatory compliance


• Meeting billing and performance targets appropriate to a senior fee-earner role


• Supervising and mentoring team members where appropriate

Areas of Expertise

The successful candidate should have strong experience covering:

• Wills and estate planning


• Probate and estate administration


• Inheritance Tax planning


• Trusts and trust administration


• Lasting Powers of Attorney


• Court of Protection matters


• Deputyship applications


• Advising trustees on legal and tax matters


• Deeds of Variation


• Estate accounts


• Elderly and vulnerable client work

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive or equivalent


• Significant experience in Private Client law


• Able to manage complex matters with minimal supervision


• Strong business development and networking skills


• Excellent client care and communication abilities


• Commercially aware with a proactive approach


• STEP and/or SFE qualification desirable

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary package


• Flexible full-time or part-time working options


• Leadership opportunity with clear progression prospects


• Established client base and referral network


• Supportive and collaborative working environment


• Long-term career development within a respected regional firm