Head of Private Client

• Genuine succession opportunity to lead and shape an established Private Client department
• High-quality HNW, trusts and complex estate work with a strong existing workload
• Clear route to Director and 2 days working from home

If you’re a senior Private Client lawyer who wants more than simply inheriting another caseload, this is an opportunity to take ownership of a department and play a major role in its next chapter.

You’ll initially focus on taking over from the existing departmental lead, ensuring a smooth transition for both the team and its clients. From there, you’ll have considerable scope to make the department your own, developing its strategy, strengthening the team and working alongside dedicated business development and marketing support to grow its presence across Harrogate and the wider Yorkshire market.

Despite the seniority of the opportunity, the culture remains friendly, collaborative and family-friendly. Targets recognise the management responsibilities involved, giving you the space to actually lead rather than expecting you to combine departmental growth with an unrealistic personal billing requirement.

Who we’re looking for

• Significant Private Client experience
• Qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive or equivalent senior Private Client practitioner
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience
• Ability to develop, support and motivate a team
• Commercial and business development mindset
• Strong client relationship skills
• Confident, approachable and self-sufficient leadership style 
• Court of Protection experience (Desired)
• Existing client following or referrer network (Desired)
• Strong connections within the Yorkshire Private Client market (Desired)
• Previous experience growing a team or department (Desired)

What you’ll be doing

• Managing a varied Private Client caseload
• Handling complex probate and estate administration matters
• Advising on trusts, wills and succession planning
• Supervising and mentoring junior team members
• Developing relationships with clients and referrers
• Supporting business development and departmental growth
• Helping shape the future direction of the team

Salary & Benefits

• Clear route to Director
• Hybrid working – typically 3 days in the office and 2 from home
• Flexible start and finish times
• Family-friendly working culture
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced sick pay
• Dedicated mental health days
• Strong existing workload and client base
• Dedicated business development and marketing support
• Excellent technical support from experienced colleagues

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood

📩 bill.szajnahopgood@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 606