Head of Private Client
- Lead and grow a Legal 500-recognised Private Client department with genuine autonomy to shape its future
- Build on an established commercial and agricultural client base while developing the firm’s presence in York
- Hybrid working, excellent benefits and the opportunity to create a lasting legacy
Not many Head of Department roles give you the opportunity to build something with solid foundations already in place.
This one does.
The Private Client team recently achieved Legal 500 recognition for the first time, marking an exciting new chapter for the firm. Now, they’re looking for an experienced Private Client leader to build on that momentum, developing the York offering and creating a department that becomes a recognised name across the region.
You’ll inherit a platform that many firms simply don’t have. Decades of trusted relationships with commercial businesses, family-owned companies and agricultural clients create a steady stream of opportunities, while a collaborative “one firm” culture encourages referrals across departments. Rather than starting from scratch, you’ll be building upon an established reputation and helping unlock the full potential of an already successful business.
Initially, your focus will be on embedding yourself within the firm, getting to know clients and colleagues, mentoring the existing team and identifying opportunities to strengthen internal referral pathways. As those relationships develop, you’ll play an increasingly important role in raising the profile of the Private Client department, developing new relationships with professional introducers and establishing the firm’s presence in York.
Longer term, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the direction of the department, grow the team and leave a genuine legacy within a firm that is committed to long-term, sustainable growth rather than short-term targets.
Who we’re looking for
- Qualified Private Client Solicitor with significant experience managing a broad caseload
- Previous leadership or management experience
- Strong technical knowledge across wills, probate and lasting powers of attorney
- Experience of trusts, succession planning or tax planning (desirable)
- Agricultural Private Client experience (desirable)
- Experience advising business owners or high-net-worth clients (desirable)
- Proven business development and relationship-building skills
- Commercially minded with an entrepreneurial approach
- Collaborative leader who enjoys developing people and building teams
What you’ll be doing
- Leading and developing the Private Client department
- Managing your own varied Private Client caseload
- Mentoring and supporting junior lawyers and support staff
- Developing relationships with commercial, agricultural and professional clients
- Growing the firm’s Private Client offering across York
- Working closely with colleagues to maximise internal referrals
- Building a sustainable pipeline of new work
- Helping shape the future strategy and growth of the department
Salary & benefits
- Hybrid working
- Private health insurance
- Group life cover
- Critical illness cover
- Structured career development framework
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Opportunity to lead a Legal 500-recognised team
- Genuine autonomy to build and grow the department
This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious Private Client leader who wants more than simply inheriting an existing department. You’ll join a firm with more than 170 years of history, a collaborative culture and an established client base, while enjoying the freedom to shape the future of the Private Client offering and build something that will have a lasting impact on the business.
Contact Bill Szajna-Hopgood
📩 bill.szajnahopgood@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 606
Key details
Salary
£80,000 - £100,000
Location
- North Yorkshire
- Yorkshire
Role type
- Hybrid working
Contract type
- Permanent
Practice area
Private Client
Job ref
V-62270-3
Specialist for Private Client, Court of Protection and Contentious Probate lawyers in Yorkshire.
Ready? Apply for this role now
Not sure if this role is right for you?
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