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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Private Client team while managing complex legal matters.
- Company: Join a well-established legal services organisation in Sunderland.
- Benefits: Permanent role with clear career progression and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role and develop your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Private Client law with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Modern office setting with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Private Client Solicitor ready to step into a leadership role? Do you have the expertise to manage complex Wills, Probate, and Powers of Attorney matters while leading and developing a successful legal team? Looking for a Head of Private Client role in Sunderland where you can influence departmental growth and deliver outstanding client care?
Gillespie Recruitment are proud to be partnering with a well-established professional legal services organisation based in Sunderland as they continue to strengthen their leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and commercially aware Head of Private Client to lead and develop a growing department, overseeing a full range of Wills, Probate, Estate Administration, and Lasting Powers of Attorney services.
The Role
As Head of Private Client, you will lead the Private Client department while managing a varied caseload of Wills, Probate, Estate Planning, and Powers of Attorney matters. This is a senior leadership position requiring strong technical expertise, excellent client care skills, and the ability to mentor and develop junior team members. You will play a key role in driving departmental performance, maintaining high service standards, and contributing to the wider growth strategy of the firm. This role offers the opportunity to combine technical legal work, leadership, and business development, making it ideal for an experienced Private Client Solicitor or Legal Executive looking to progress into a strategic role.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing a full caseload of Private Client matters, including:
- Wills and estate planning
- Probate and estate administration
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
- Court of Protection matters (where applicable)
- Trust creation and administration
About You
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Private Client legal professional who combines strong technical expertise with leadership ability. You will be confident managing a busy caseload, supporting and developing a team, and contributing to the strategic growth of the Private Client department.
Skills & Experience Required
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in Private Client law
- Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive
- Strong technical knowledge across Wills, Probate, Estate Administration, and Powers of Attorney
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience within a legal team
- Proven ability to manage a full caseload independently
- Strong commercial awareness and strategic mindset
- Excellent communication and client care skills
- High level of organisation and attention to detail
Personal Attributes
- Professional, approachable, and empathetic when dealing with sensitive matters
- Confident leader with strong decision-making abilities
- Proactive with a commercially driven mindset
- High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
What’s on Offer
- Permanent, full-time Head of Private Client role in Sunderland
- Senior leadership opportunity within a growing legal team
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Clear career progression and long-term development opportunities
- Modern office environment in Sunderland
If you are an experienced Private Client Solicitor or Legal Executive looking for a leadership opportunity in Sunderland, we would love to hear from you. Apply today or contact the team at Gillespie Recruitment to find out more about this Head of Private Client opportunity.
Head of Private Client in Sunderland employer: Gillespie Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Gillespie Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Private Client in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other legal professionals in Sunderland. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you’re chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing teams and driving performance. Share specific examples of how you've developed junior staff or improved departmental processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm’s values and recent achievements. Tailor your responses to show how your expertise aligns with their goals, especially in areas like client care and business development. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Private Client in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your expertise in Wills, Probate, and Powers of Attorney, as well as any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Private Client role. Share your passion for client care and how you plan to drive departmental growth.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, emphasise your experience in managing and developing teams. Provide examples of how you've mentored junior staff and contributed to a positive team environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gillespie Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Wills, Probate, and Powers of Attorney. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you've navigated complex legal matters. This will show that you have the technical expertise needed for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or mentored junior staff in the past. Highlight your approach to developing talent and driving performance within a legal team. This is crucial for a Head of Private Client position.
✨Demonstrate Client Care Excellence
Think of instances where you've gone above and beyond for clients. Be ready to share how you build and maintain strong relationships with clients and referrers, as this is key to delivering outstanding client care.
✨Be Strategic and Commercially Aware
Familiarise yourself with the firm's growth strategy and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to it. Show that you understand the business side of legal practice and how to drive departmental performance and billing targets.