Head of Department - Private Client

Head of Department – Private Client

Location: Newcastle

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Salary: Competitive (depending on experience) + Bonus + Benefits

We are seeking a candidate who will lead and manage a well‑resourced Private Client department, delivering high‑quality legal advice while shaping the future direction of the team and contributing to the wider management strategy of the firm.

• Leading and managing the Private Client Department, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team culture.
• Providing expert legal advice across a varied private client caseload, including:
  • Wills
  • Probate and estate administration
  • Trusts
  • Estate planning
  • Inheritance tax and succession planning
• Supervising, mentoring, and supporting fee earners at all levels, including solicitors, trainees, and paralegals.
• Developing and implementing departmental strategy aligned with the firm’s overall business objectives.
• Conducting regular file reviews to ensure compliance, quality, and best practice.
• Driving business development and networking initiatives to grow the department and client base.
• Managing departmental performance, including billing, WIP, and financial targets.
• Ensuring compliance with all regulatory, legal, and firm‑wide policies.

• Qualified Solicitor with 8+ years’ PQE in Private Client work.
• Strong technical expertise across wills, trusts, probate, estate planning, and tax matters.
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience within a Private Client team.
• Commercially aware with a proactive approach to business development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an approachable leadership style.
• STEP qualification (or working towards) is highly desirable.
• Committed to developing talent and maintaining exceptional client service standards.

• Competitive salary with performance‑related bonus.
• Senior leadership role with genuine influence over departmental strategy.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Well‑resourced team structure to enable focus on leadership and client work.
• Opportunity to shape and grow a successful Private Client department within a respected firm.

If this vacancy is of interest, please apply direct or call the office on .