Head Of Department - Private Client in Chester-le-Street

An opportunity to lead and shape an established department

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Private Client Solicitor to take on a senior leadership role as Head of Department within a small, established law firm in Chester-le-Street.

The role offers genuine autonomy and the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future development of the department. The successful candidate will report directly to a senior Partner and work alongside one other solicitor, providing a close-knit and collaborative environment with the opportunity to make their mark.

What's on Offer?

• Above-average annual leave entitlement
• A varied and interesting role within an established law firm
• The opportunity to work closely with a senior Partner
• Support and training on systems including LEAP and Bundledocs
• Flexibility around working hours for candidates who require a more tailored working pattern
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Genuine opportunity to lead and develop the department
• High degree of autonomy and responsibility
• Established client base
• Opportunity to play a key role within a small and close-knit firm

The firm is open to discussing flexible hours. This makes it an attractive opportunity for candidates seeking a better work-life balance without compromising on career development.

The successful candidate will report directly to a senior Partner and work alongside one other solicitor within the department.

The small team structure provides an experienced Private Client lawyer with significant visibility within the firm and the opportunity to work closely with the Partner on the development and growth of the department.

The Head of Department will manage a varied Private Client caseload, including:

• Estate administration
• Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration
• Wills and estate planning
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Court of Protection matters
• Inheritance Tax and succession planning
• Trust advice and drafting

Alongside fee-earning responsibilities, the successful candidate will:

• Lead and develop the Private Client department
• Work closely with the Partner on departmental strategy and growth
• Develop existing client relationships and generate new business
• Support and mentor the other solicitor
• Identify opportunities to expand the department's services
• Maintain excellent standards of client care
• Contribute to the wider success and development of the firm

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Private Client Solicitor ready to take the next step into a leadership position, or an established Head of Department seeking a more autonomous role within a smaller firm.

They will:

• Have strong experience across Private Client and probate work
• Be confident managing a varied caseload independently
• Have excellent technical, client-care and communication skills
• Be commercially aware and interested in developing a department
• Have the confidence to take ownership and make decisions
• Be comfortable working within a small-team environment
• Have the ability to support and develop a colleague
• Be proactive, organised and relationship-focused
• Be keen to work closely with a Partner and contribute to the wider firm

This is a genuine Head of Private Client opportunity, offering the successful candidate the chance to take ownership of an established practice while helping shape its future.

With direct access to a senior Partner, significant autonomy, dedicated support and training, and flexibility around working hours, the role would suit an experienced Private Client lawyer who values responsibility, influence and work-life balance.

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