Private Client Head of Department | Legal 500 | Birmingham | Hybrid
Overview
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Private Client lawyer to lead a highly regarded, Legal 500-ranked department within a well-established full-service law firm in Birmingham. The team specialises in advising high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, families, and business owners on complex and often multi-jurisdictional matters.
This role offers strategic leadership responsibility, combined with the opportunity to maintain a high-quality client-facing caseload.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead, develop, and grow the Private Client department in line with the firm’s strategic objectives
- Manage and mentor a team of fee earners at varying levels of seniority
- Drive performance, ensuring high standards of client service and technical excellence
- Contribute to firm-wide leadership and cross-department collaboration
- Play a key role in budgeting, financial performance, and departmental profitability
Client Work
- Manage a complex caseload of Private Client matters for HNW/UHNW individuals, including:
- Estate and succession planning
- Wills and trusts
- Tax planning (including IHT, CGT, and income tax considerations)
- Probate and estate administration
- Trust structuring and advisory work
- Advise on multi-generational wealth preservation and family governance
- Handle international elements, including offshore structures and cross-border estates
Business Development
- Maintain and expand relationships with existing HNW clients and professional referrers
- Develop new business opportunities, including networking and profile-raising activities
- Enhance the team’s reputation in legal directories and industry rankings (including Legal 500 submissions)
- Build relationships with intermediaries such as accountants, IFAs, and wealth managers
Candidate Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with significant post-qualification experience in Private Client law
- Proven track record advising HNW/UHNW clients on complex matters
- Experience leading or supervising a team, with strong people management skills
- Strong technical expertise across tax, trusts, and estate planning
- Demonstrable business development experience and a strong professional network
- STEP qualification (or working towards) highly desirable
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness
- Excellent interpersonal and client relationship skills
- High level of discretion and professionalism
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to lead a Legal 500-ranked Private Client team
- High-quality HNW/UHNW client base
- Supportive partnership and clear progression pathway
- Competitive salary and bonus structure
- Flexible working option
Next Steps
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact: Nicholas Fear on 0161 672 3112 or nicholas.fear@saccomann.com