Are you an experienced Private Client Solicitor ready to step into a leadership role?
Do you have the expertise to manage complex Wills, Probate, and Powers of Attorney matters while leading and developing a successful legal team?
Looking for a Head of Private Client role in Sunderland where you can influence departmental growth and deliver outstanding client care?

Gillespie Recruitment are proud to be partnering with a well-established professional legal services organisation based in Sunderland as they continue to strengthen their leadership team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and commercially aware Head of Private Client to lead and develop a growing department, overseeing a full range of Wills, Probate, Estate Administration, and Lasting Powers of Attorney services.

The Role

As Head of Private Client, you will lead the Private Client department while managing a varied caseload of Wills, Probate, Estate Planning, and Powers of Attorney matters.

This is a senior leadership position requiring strong technical expertise, excellent client care skills, and the ability to mentor and develop junior team members. You will play a key role in driving departmental performance, maintaining high service standards, and contributing to the wider growth strategy of the firm.

This role offers the opportunity to combine technical legal work, leadership, and business development, making it ideal for an experienced Private Client Solicitor or Legal Executive looking to progress into a strategic role.

Key Responsibilities

Managing a full caseload of Private Client matters, including:

• Wills and estate planning
• Probate and estate administration
• Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
• Court of Protection matters (where applicable)
• Trust creation and administration
• Leading, managing, and developing the Private Client team
• Supervising, mentoring, and supporting junior fee earners and support staff
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal quality procedures
• Driving departmental performance, billing targets, and growth strategies
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, referrers, and professional contacts
• Contributing to business development initiatives and networking opportunities
• Handling sensitive matters with professionalism, discretion, and empathy

About You

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Private Client legal professional who combines strong technical expertise with leadership ability.

You will be confident managing a busy caseload, supporting and developing a team, and contributing to the strategic growth of the Private Client department.

Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in Private Client law

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive

• Strong technical knowledge across Wills, Probate, Estate Administration, and Powers of Attorney

• Previous supervisory or leadership experience within a legal team

• Proven ability to manage a full caseload independently

• Strong commercial awareness and strategic mindset

• Excellent communication and client care skills

• High level of organisation and attention to detail

Personal Attributes

• Professional, approachable, and empathetic when dealing with sensitive matters

• Confident leader with strong decision-making abilities

• Proactive with a commercially driven mindset

• High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

What’s on Offer

• Permanent, full-time Head of Private Client role in Sunderland

• Senior leadership opportunity within a growing legal team

• Supportive and collaborative working environment

• Clear career progression and long-term development opportunities

• Modern office environment in Sunderland

If you are an experienced Private Client Solicitor or Legal Executive looking for a leadership opportunity in Sunderland, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact the team at Gillespie Recruitment to find out more about this Head of Private Client opportunity.