Head of Private Client

• Inherit an established, successful Private Client department with a strong HNW client base
• Shape the team’s future, with genuine autonomy over strategy, recruitment and growth
• Opportunity for Partner appointment, with flexible working and an experienced team already in place

Are you an experienced Private Client lawyer ready to lead a successful department and make a lasting impact on a respected Yorkshire firm?

This established Huddersfield law firm is looking for a Head of Private Client to take responsibility for a well-regarded department following the departure of its long-standing leader.

This is a succession opportunity, not a turnaround. You’ll inherit an established team of six legal professionals, an excellent reputation and a strong pipeline of high-quality work.

The department handles complex estate planning, tax, trusts, succession planning, wealth preservation and HNW probate matters. You’ll retain a selective caseload while focusing primarily on leadership, developing your people and strengthening the department’s position in the Yorkshire market.

You’ll have the freedom to review processes, shape recruitment, develop referral relationships and contribute to wider firm strategy.

The firm is open to existing Heads of Department, Partners and ambitious senior lawyers ready to step into leadership. There’s also the opportunity to join at Partner level or progress towards Partnership as you establish yourself.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, commercially minded leadership team that values long-term relationships and gives its people the autonomy to make decisions.

Who we’re looking for

• Significant Private Client experience within an established regional or national practice (E)
• Experience managing and developing a legal team (E)
• Strong technical expertise in complex HNW matters (E)
• Proven business development experience (E)
• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills (E)
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking (E)
• Ability to build lasting client and professional relationships (E)
• Collaborative, credible and commercially minded approach (E)
• Previous Partnership experience (D)
• STEP qualification (D)
• Established professional referral network (D)

What you’ll be doing

• Leading an established Private Client department
• Managing and mentoring six legal professionals
• Maintaining key HNW client relationships
• Handling a selective caseload of complex matters
• Advising on estate and tax planning
• Overseeing trusts, succession and wealth preservation work
• Managing departmental performance and service delivery
• Developing and implementing growth plans
• Supporting recruitment and succession planning
• Building professional referral relationships
• Reviewing processes and identifying improvements
• Contributing to wider firm strategy

Salary & Benefits

• £60,000–£70,000, depending on experience
• Partner appointment available for the right individual
• Hybrid working – typically 3 days in the office, 2 from home
• Flexible approach to working arrangements
• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays at Partner level
• Lawyer Incentive Scheme
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Perkbox benefits
• Established HNW client base and quality caseload
• Experienced team already in place
• Significant autonomy over departmental strategy
• Opportunity to influence the firm’s wider direction

This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a successful Private Client department without having to rebuild it.

With an established team, strong client relationships and genuine influence over future growth, you’ll have the platform to develop the department in your own direction while progressing your leadership career.

If you’re ready for a Head of Department role with real responsibility and Partnership potential, this could be the ideal next move.

Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood
📩 bill.szajnahopgood@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 606

While this advert sets out the criteria applicable to each salary band, the salary guidance given is purely indicative. The precise salary offered within that band will ultimately be determined by the hirer, taking into account the individual candidate’s experience, qualifications and overall suitability for the role.