Head of Department Wills, Trusts & Probate (1942)

Position: Head of Department Wills, Trusts & Probate
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Epping, Essex
Salary Competitive Salary + Bonus
Job Ref 1942

Are you a senior Private Client Solicitor ready to lead, inspire, and shape a department?

If youre an experienced solicitor with a natural leadership style and a passion for Private Client work, this is an exciting opportunity to take the reins of an established team in a well-respected high street law firm with a loyal client base and deep roots in the local community.

Were partnering with a long-standing, community-focused firm based in Epping, Essex, renowned for its high-quality service and trusted relationships with local individuals, families, and businesses. Theyre now seeking a Head of Department Wills, Trusts & Probate to drive the team forward and continue delivering exceptional client care.

The Role

As Head of Department, you will:

• Provide strategic direction for the Wills, Trusts & Probate team
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of dedicated private client professionals
• Handle a diverse and often high-value caseload involving Wills, Trusts, LPAs, estate and tax planning, and Probate
• Oversee service delivery to ensure compliance, efficiency, and client satisfaction
• Maintain and grow long-term client relationships, particularly with high-net-worth individuals and families
• Take ownership of business development initiatives and work closely with the Managing Partner to grow the departments profile and reach

Key Responsibilities

• Set team goals and monitor performance in line with firm-wide strategic objectives
• Provide oversight and technical input on complex matters, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments to drive client acquisition and retention
• Act as the principal point of contact for key clients and intermediaries
• Identify new opportunities for growth and development within the local market

Key Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with strong Private Client experience (ideally 10 years PQE)
• Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role
• In-depth knowledge of inheritance tax, estate administration, and trust law
• STEP qualification desirable
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage a busy caseload with professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to contribute to wider business strategy
• Experience with case management systems, audio transcription, diary management, and professional correspondence

Why Join This Firm?

• Lead a successful, respected department with real autonomy
• Be part of a well-established high street firm with excellent local links and a loyal client base
• Enjoy a supportive and collaborative environment where quality client care is at the heart of everything
• Take your career to the next level with a role offering visibility, influence, and opportunity for further growth

This role will involve heading up a newly structured Private Client Team providing leadership and direction to a group comprising Senior Associates, Solicitors, Paralegals and Team Secretaries. As Head of Department, you will have the opportunity to shape the department from the ground up, setting the tone for culture, service standards and team development.

If youre ready to make your mark as Head of Department and play a pivotal role in the future of this Private Client team ABC LLP would be delighted to hear from you.

All applicants are requested to complete an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion form, available here

Reach out to our consultants Hudson Brewer or Sam Biggerstaff for a confidential chat or apply now via our website

0203 890 8190 | hudson@abcllp.com
| sam@abcllp.com

ABC are committed to equality and to fostering diversity in our profession.

We will treat everyone equally and irrespective of their age, background, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Please advise us in advance of the interview if you have any access needs (including those arising from neurodiversity) and/or require reasonable adjustments for the interview so that we can make appropriate arrangements