Senior Solicitor/ Head of Legal - Private Client (Wills, Trusts, Probate & Estate Planning)
Senior Solicitor/ Head of Legal - Private Client (Wills, Trusts, Probate & Estate Planning)

Senior Solicitor/ Head of Legal - Private Client (Wills, Trusts, Probate & Estate Planning)

Exeter Full-Time 70000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex estate planning and probate work while mentoring junior solicitors.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking legal services business transitioning to a regulated practice.
  • Benefits: Enjoy remote work, flexible hours, performance bonuses, and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of our legal function and make a real impact in private client law.
  • Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with 5+ years in private client law and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Direct input into regulatory and strategic development of a fast-growing practice.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.

Location: Remote (UK-based)

Salary: £70,000 – £80,000 per annum + performance bonus

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Role

We are recruiting a Head of Legal/ Private Client Solicitor to lead on complex estate planning, trust structuring, and probate work within a growing, forward-thinking legal services business. This is a remote-first position with the flexibility to operate autonomously and the scope to shape the future direction of our legal function. This is a key strategic hire as we finalise our transition to a regulated legal practice under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The successful candidate will play an essential role in maintaining legal quality, ensuring compliance, and supporting the broader legal team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver expert legal advice on a range of private client matters, including:
  • Wills and lifetime trusts
  • Estate and inheritance tax planning
  • Probate and estate administration
  • Deeds of variation, declarations of trust, and other associated instruments
  • Supervise and advise on residential conveyancing transactions, particularly where linked to trust structures.
  • Draft complex legal documents with precision, aligned with best practice and legal requirements.
  • Maintain current knowledge of private client law, tax, and compliance developments.
  • Support firm-wide compliance and governance processes, including potential appointment as COLP (Compliance Officer for Legal Practice).
  • Mentor junior solicitors or trainees as needed.
  • Your Experience

    • UK-qualified solicitor (or CILEX equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience in private client law.
    • Significant experience in trust drafting, tax-efficient estate planning, and probate work.
    • Working knowledge of residential conveyancing transactions, particularly in the context of trust or estate work.
    • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and a track record of high-quality technical delivery.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to legal accuracy and risk awareness.

    Desirable

    • Previous experience acting as or working closely with a COLP, or demonstrable knowledge of SRA Standards & Regulations.
    • Experience using legal case management and digital documentation systems.

    Why Join Us

    • Competitive salary of £70,000 – £80,000, depending on experience.
    • Annual performance bonus linked to group results.
    • Remote-first working with flexible hours and full reimbursement of any required travel.
    • Company pension and supportive team culture.
    • Direct input (and career progression) into regulatory, legal, and strategic development of a fast-growing practice.

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Pay: £70,000.00-£80,000.00 per year

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    Contact Detail:

    Undisclosed Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Senior Solicitor/ Head of Legal - Private Client (Wills, Trusts, Probate & Estate Planning)

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network with professionals in the private client law sector. Attend relevant legal seminars, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and industry leaders who can provide insights into the role and possibly refer you.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Stay updated on the latest developments in private client law, particularly around estate planning and probate. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Consider reaching out to current or former employees of StudySmarter to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head of Legal role. This can give you a competitive edge during discussions.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Prepare to discuss your experience with compliance and governance processes, especially if you have worked closely with a COLP. Highlighting this experience can set you apart as a candidate who understands the regulatory landscape.

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior Solicitor/ Head of Legal - Private Client (Wills, Trusts, Probate & Estate Planning)

    Expertise in Private Client Law
    Wills and Trusts Drafting
    Probate and Estate Administration
    Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning
    Residential Conveyancing Knowledge
    Legal Document Drafting
    Compliance and Governance Understanding
    Knowledge of SRA Standards & Regulations
    Strong Verbal and Written Communication Skills
    Attention to Legal Accuracy
    Risk Awareness
    Mentoring and Leadership Skills
    Ability to Work Independently
    Experience with Legal Case Management Systems
    Digital Documentation Proficiency

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in private client law, particularly in areas like wills, trusts, and probate. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and achievements in these fields.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also explains why you are passionate about this role. Mention your understanding of the company's transition to a regulated legal practice and how you can contribute to its success.

    Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your post-qualification experience and any significant cases you've handled. Highlight your ability to work independently and your familiarity with compliance and governance processes.

    Proofread for Accuracy: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for grammatical errors and legal accuracy. Attention to detail is crucial in the legal field, so ensure your application reflects this quality.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Undisclosed

    ✨Showcase Your Expertise

    Be prepared to discuss your experience in private client law, particularly in areas like wills, trusts, and probate. Highlight specific cases where you successfully navigated complex legal issues, demonstrating your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills.

    ✨Understand the Company’s Vision

    Research the company’s transition to a regulated legal practice under the SRA. Show that you understand their goals and how your role as Head of Legal can contribute to shaping the future direction of their legal function.

    ✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

    As this role involves mentoring junior solicitors, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've supported and developed others in your previous roles, showcasing your ability to lead a team effectively.

    ✨Prepare for Compliance Questions

    Given the importance of compliance in this role, brush up on SRA Standards & Regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience with compliance processes and how you ensure legal quality and adherence to regulations in your work.

    Senior Solicitor/ Head of Legal - Private Client (Wills, Trusts, Probate & Estate Planning)
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    • Senior Solicitor/ Head of Legal - Private Client (Wills, Trusts, Probate & Estate Planning)

      Exeter
      Full-Time
      70000 - 80000 £ / year (est.)

      Application deadline: 2027-06-26

    • U

      Undisclosed

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