Head of Private Client Department - Solicitor (Full-Time)

Head of Private Client Department - Solicitor (Full-Time)

Firm: Bretherton Law part of GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates

GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates are proud to be expanding their Private Client team and are looking for a STEP Qualified Solicitor to head up and grow this exciting new department. Based in the heart of St Albans, only 20 minutes from St Pancras, our firm has a long-established presence in the Hertfordshire community.

About Bretherton Law and GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates

Bretherton Law has been a trusted name in Hertfordshire for over fifty years, providing high-quality legal services with a straightforward, honest, and professional approach. In March 2024, Bretherton Law became part of GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates, which has 16 offices across the country and a reputation for excellence in various practice areas, including Wills, Probate, Estate Administration, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts. GT Stewart is recognised in Chambers UK, The Legal 500, and The Times Best Law Firms for its national reach and commitment to quality legal services.

We are committed to growing our Private Client offering significantly in the near future and offer a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to lead this development and take the department to the next level.

Role Overview

This is a unique opportunity to head up and build a new private client team. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Solicitor with a thorough understanding of wills, probate, estate administration, and powers of attorney. You will have the chance to not only manage your own caseload but also build and lead a dynamic team of legal professionals. The role offers significant potential for growth and development as we continue to expand our private client offering across the firm. We are seeking someone with a clear vision for the future of private client services who is eager to drive change and grow the department.

As Head of Private Client, you will:

• Lead and develop the Private Client team, providing direction and mentorship.
• Manage a full range of private client matters, including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection, Trusts, and Probate.
• Provide a high level of client care, ensuring that all matters are managed effectively from start to finish.
• Supervise and support junior staff, paralegals, and assistants.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agents, and colleagues.
• Have the opportunity to expand the team and enhance our Private Client offering

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a solicitor with:

• STEP Qualification (or working towards it).
• A minimum of 10 years' PQE with a proven track record in handling complex private client matters.
• Experience in wills, probate, estate administration, and powers of attorney.
• A strong desire to build and lead a team, with a vision to grow the department.
• Confidence in managing a caseload from start to finish with the support of administrative staff.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues.
• An enthusiastic, compassionate, and flexible approach to client care.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary of £80,000 - £100,000, dependent on experience.
• A leadership role with significant opportunities for career development and team expansion.
• Hybrid working, with a mix of office-based and remote working to support work-life balance.
• Ongoing training and professional development within a strong, supportive multi-office team.
• Generous benefits package, including 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and Christmas/New Year.
• Bonus structure, enabling team members to share in the success and growth of the firm.
• LLP membership is available for the successful candidate, offering an opportunity for partnership.

If you are an ambitious solicitor with a passion for Private Client law and a desire to lead and grow a department, we want to hear from you!