Job Description
Senior Private Client Solicitor/Head of Department
Farnham, Surrey | £65,000–£70,000 + Clear Partnership Prospects
A well-established multi-office law firm is seeking an experienced Senior Private Client Solicitor or Legal Executive to lead and grow its Private Client department in Farnham.
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior private client lawyer looking for a genuine route to Partnership, autonomy to shape a department and the chance to work closely with medium and high-net-worth clients.
The firm has a strong reputation across Surrey and Hampshire, offering a modern office environment, high-quality work and long-term career progression. High performers are recognised quickly, with realistic prospects for promotion to Partner.
The Farnham office is centrally located close to mainline train stations, with complimentary client parking available at some locations.
The Role
You will head up the Private Client team in the Farnham office, currently consisting of a fee earner and assistant/paralegal. You will take full responsibility for a varied and high-quality caseload while helping to develop and grow the department.
This role would suit a Senior Private Client Solicitor, Private Client Lawyer, STEP-qualified lawyer, or experienced Chartered Legal Executive who enjoys managing complex matters independently and building strong client relationships.
Private Client Work Includes:
* Wills and estate planning
* Probate and estate administration
* Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
* Trusts and trust administration
* Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning
* Court of Protection matters
* Medium and high-net-worth private client work
* Complex estates and succession planning
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the Private Client department in the Farnham office
* Manage a full caseload from instruction through to completion
* Advise clients on wills, probate, LPAs, trusts, estate administration and inheritance tax matters
* Handle complex and high-value estates for medium and high-net-worth individuals
* Ensure all files are managed accurately and in compliance with SRA and regulatory requirements
* Supervise and support an assistant/paralegal
* Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, referrers and local contacts
* Support business development, networking and marketing activities to grow the department
* Identify opportunities to expand the Private Client offering over time
Your Requirements
We are keen to hear from:
* Senior Private Client Solicitors
* Private Client Associates
* Legal Executives/Chartered Legal Executives
* Private Client Lawyers with leadership experience
You will ideally have:
* 5+ years’ PQE in Private Client law (applications from more experienced candidates are welcomed)
* Strong experience managing your own caseload independently
* Excellent technical knowledge of wills, probate, trusts, LPAs, estate administration and inheritance tax
* Experience acting for medium and high-net-worth clients
* A meticulous approach with excellent attention to detail, particularly in relation to complex probate and IHT matters
* Previous experience supervising junior staff, assistants or paralegals
* Strong communication and client care skills
* An interest in developing and growing a department
* STEP qualification or working towards STEP would be advantageous but is not essential
Salary and Benefits
* Salary of £65,000 – £70,000 depending on experience
* Potential flexibility for exceptional candidates
* Genuine and fast-track route to Partnership
* Opportunity to lead and shape a department
* Flexible working available, with typically one day per week from home
* Modern office environment within an established, reputable firm
* Central Farnham location close to mainline rail links
* Complimentary parking available at some office locations
* Strong long-term career progression and support
Why Apply?
This is an ideal opportunity for a Senior Private Client Solicitor seeking:
* Head of Department responsibility
* A clear route to Partner
* High-quality private client work
* Greater autonomy and influence
* A well-established local firm with ambitious growth plans
To apply, please submit your CV or contact Gayle Woolf at G2 Legal in confidence for further information.
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