Private Client Head of Department

An opportunity has arisen for a senior Private Client lawyer to lead a well-established and highly regarded Private Client department within a law firm of exceptional heritage and standing.

Our client is a long-established law firm with close to 300 years of history, recognised for the quality of its work, its stability, and a culture that places long-term relationships – with both clients and people — at its core. As part of ongoing growth and succession planning, the firm is seeking a Head of Private Client Department to oversee and further develop its Private Client practice.

The role combines continued personal involvement in complex and high-value Private Client matters with responsibility for the strategic direction, performance and development of the department. The successful candidate will be entrusted with the leadership of a sizeable, experienced team and will work closely with the wider partnership on firm-wide strategy.

The practice advises on: 

• Wills and succession planning
• Probate and estate administration
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• OPG-related matters
• Court of Protection work

Beyond fee-earning, the role encompasses: 

• Departmental leadership and succession planning
• Mentoring and development of senior and junior lawyers
• Maintaining and enhancing the department’s market reputation
• Contributing to business planning, growth initiatives and cross-firm collaboration

Candidates are likely to be: 

• Highly experienced in Private Client work (typically 5+ years PQE or equivalent)
• Technically confident across the full breadth of Private Client matters
• Operating at, or ready to step into, a departmental or senior leadership role
• Respected, measured and collaborative in their approach

The firm offers a collegiate, supportive environment, hybrid working, and above-average holiday entitlement, alongside the opportunity to play a meaningful role in the long-term future of a practice with an outstanding legacy.

This appointment will suit a Private Client lawyer seeking a leadership position that offers influence, continuity and the scope to shape a department for the next generation.