Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and proactive leader to head our Private Clients Department, overseeing matters related to Wills, Probate, and Trusts. This role involves driving the department’s strategic goals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. You’ll also be instrumental in growing the department by developing new business opportunities and strengthening existing client relationships.
Key Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities for the role can be broken down into two areas as listed below:
Legal & Fee-Earning Responsibilities
* Conduct client consultations to assess legal needs and provide tailored advice.
* Take and interpret client instructions, providing sound legal advice.
* Draft legal documents, letters, and contracts specific to client circumstances.
* Research relevant legal precedents and case law to support advice and strategy.
* Oversee the execution of legal agreements and coordinate with all involved parties.
* Manage client correspondence, including with opposing solicitors.
* Arrange and attend follow-up meetings to finalise documentation and resolve matters.
* Review and approve all client documentation before implementation.
* Accept and refer client matters appropriately across departments.
* Handle incoming referrals from other firms in cases of conflict or specialisation needs.
* Stay current with legal developments through continuous professional reading.
* Identify and develop new revenue streams within the department’s service areas.
* Provide day-to-day leadership for the department, ensuring compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct.
* Communicate departmental business plans and individual targets to team members.
* Hold regular team meetings to monitor progress and share updates.
* Manage team performance in terms of both quality and volume of work.
* Supervise, mentor, and delegate tasks to junior staff including trainees and paralegals.
* Conduct annual appraisals, setting clear objectives and development plans.
* Manage attendance, timekeeping, and approve holiday requests to ensure adequate cover.
* Attend weekly matter review meetings with the designated Director.
* Perform administrative duties including time recording, billing, and client invoicing.
* Conduct file reviews and authorise cases for closure and archiving.
Experience
* 6 years PQE Solicitor
* Proven track record in delivery and attainment of individual and group targets
* Evidence of team management
* Client Relationships
* Knowledge of case management software
* Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Skills and Attributes
* Strong leadership skills
* A professional approach to work
* Ability to instil client confidence
* Demonstrates integrity
* Excellent communication skills both written and oral
* Commercial awareness and negotiating skills
* Ability to delegate responsibility
* Ability to plan / prioritise work and cope with conflicting demands and meet deadlines
* Flexible, adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity that may exist to meet the needs of the service
* Demonstrates a ‘can do’ attitude and encourages team members to do the same
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Business Development and Sales
Industries
* Law Practice
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