Head of Private Client Department

Battens Solicitors Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in the UK is seeking an experienced Head of Private Client Department to lead a team of 30 professionals across multiple offices. This role involves setting the strategic direction, managing client relationships, and ensuring high service standards in trusts, wills, and estate planning. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience, strong expertise in private client law, and a collaborative leadership style. This position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Group pension scheme with 4% employer contribution

25 days annual leave, increasing to 30

Free conveyancing and discounted legal services

Recruitment bonus scheme

Birthday leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Critical illness cover

Life assurance from the first day

Qualifications

• Proven experience in team leadership and departmental management.
• Strong expertise in private client law, ideally including Trusts.
• A collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Confidence in managing performance, mentoring staff, and driving growth.
• Minimum 10 years PQE.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 30 across 7 offices.
• Set and implement the department's strategic direction.
• Ensure high standards of service in complex areas including trusts, wills, probate, and estate planning.
• Oversee all aspects of employee management.
• Handle client relationships with professionalism and care.
• Lead and conduct business development.
• Drive growth, technical skill, and supervision.
• Run your own caseload.

Skills

Team leadership

Private client law expertise

Problem-solving

Performance management

Business development

Job description

Join to apply for the Head of Private Client Department role at Battens Solicitors Limited.

Location: Based in our Poundbury office, covering our 7 offices in the Southwest.

Team Size: 30 professionals.

Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits.

Battens Solicitors is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to head our Private Client Department. This is a rare opportunity to take charge of a well‑established team, shape its future, and make a lasting impact across our network of offices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 30 across 7 offices.
• Set and implement the department's strategic direction.
• Ensure high standards of service in complex areas including trusts, wills, probate, and estate planning.
• Oversee all aspects of employee management, with support from our HR team.
• Handle client relationships with professionalism and care.
• Lead and conduct business development.
• Drive growth, technical skill, and supervision.
• Run your own caseload.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in team leadership and departmental management.
• Strong expertise in private client law ideally including Trusts.
• A collaborative and proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Confidence in managing performance, mentoring staff, and driving growth.
• Minimum 10 years PQE.

Benefits Package

• Group pension scheme with salary sacrifice and a 4% employer contribution.
• Income protection.
• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with length of service.
• Free conveyancing and discounted legal services.
• Recruitment bonus scheme.
• Birthday leave – enjoy an extra day off on your birthday.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Critical illness cover.
• Life assurance from your first day of employment.

Ready to lead with purpose and make a difference? Apply now to join a firm that values expertise, innovation, and people.