Embark on a rewarding leadership career by exploring Head of Wills and Probate jobs. This senior legal role sits at the helm of a firm's Private Client department, offering a unique blend of deep legal expertise, strategic management, and compassionate client service. Professionals in these positions are responsible for guiding individuals and families through some of life's most sensitive and crucial moments, providing clarity and security for their futures. A Head of Wills and Probate is not just a legal expert but a departmental leader, a mentor, and a key contributor to a law firm's strategic direction. The core responsibilities of this profession are multifaceted, centered on the administration and leadership of private client legal services. Typically, this involves overseeing all aspects of wills drafting, probate applications, estate administration, the creation of trusts, and the management of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and Court of Protection matters. On a managerial level, the role demands leading, motivating, and supervising a team of legal professionals, ensuring efficient workflow and the highest standards of work. A significant part of the job is to build and maintain strong, trusting client relationships, delivering complex legal advice with empathy and care. Furthermore, the Head of Wills and Probate is tasked with driving the department's growth by improving internal processes, ensuring strict compliance with legal and regulatory standards like SRA guidelines and AML regulations, and contributing to business development and marketing initiatives to attract new clients. To succeed in Head of Wills and Probate jobs, candidates typically require a robust set of qualifications and skills. The foundational requirement is being a qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with substantial post-qualification experience (PQE), often seven years or more, specialising in Private Client law. This must be underpinned by extensive, hands-on experience managing a complex caseload encompassing wills, probate, trusts, and LPAs. Demonstrable leadership or team management experience is essential, as the role is fundamentally about guiding a team. A strong, technical understanding of estate planning, inheritance tax, and the legal issues affecting elderly clients is non-negotiable. Beyond legal knowledge, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are paramount for dealing with vulnerable or grieving clients sensitively. Finally, strategic thinking, impeccable organisational abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and well-honed problem-solving skills are critical for navigating the complexities of estate law and departmental management. For those seeking a career that combines legal mastery with leadership and human connection, Head of Wills and Probate jobs represent a fulfilling and respected career pinnacle.
