Head of Probate

Head of Probate

Head of Probate / Private Client Solicitor Vacancy

Solicitor or Legal Executive - Head of Probate

Full-time position
Closing date: Friday, 1st September 2023
Bristol
 

Watkins Solicitors is an award winning and busy solicitors firm specialising in Family Law, Education Law, Wills and Probate Law, Conveyancing, Human Rights and Judicial Review.  Currently, we have three offices with one in North Bristol, one in South Bristol and one in Bath and we also see clients by appointment in Hereford. The firm also acts for clients on a private basis.

Watkins Solicitors has an outstanding reputation as a good employer. We offer excellent employee benefits, a great working culture and exciting career opportunities. We are a friendly, sociable, and respected company with a firm belief in supporting our staff. In line with the firm’s culture, it is our aim to nurture and grow our own talent and the successful candidate will be supported in their development and progression.

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our Private client department, as the current head of the department is wishing to retire, for a full-time permanent solicitor with 5 years or more experience in private client to head the department and play a key role in the growth and success of the department.  You would be leading a small, established, and busy department that is looking to expand. This role will suit an ambitious candidate who is looking to progress to the next stage in their career. Following a probationary period there may be some flexibility to work part of the time from home.

You will be handling a broad base of probate and private client work, including administering estates, drafting wills and powers of attorney, handling tax, trusts and elderly client matters as well as a range of others. You must have a solid knowledge and understanding of probate law.

Duties will include but not be limited to

  • Growing the department and gaining new business
  • A full range of private client matters
  • Ensuring effective supervision within the department
  • Inspiring and motivating the team
  • Supervising trainees and paralegals and supporting their development
  • Meeting agreed targets

Essential Criteria

  • Qualified solicitor, Legal Executive
  • A strong background in and excellent knowledge of private client work, Minimum 3 years’ experience
  • Experience leading a team or providing supervision
  • Excellent client care skills
  • A professional telephone manner
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills 
  • Experience managing your own varied case load        

Desirable Criteria

  • STEP accreditation

Our Offer

In return you can expect a rewarding career, as we believe in looking after our employees which is why we offer a great flexible work policy to help you balance your personal and professional lives. We also offer the Bike2Work Scheme. Continual training is very much supported by the firm and the firm has developed an extensive in-house training scheme.

Following a probationary period there may be the opportunity to work flexibly from home subject to business and client needs.

Salary dependant on experience.

To apply please send a CV and a covering letter to Kate Ford kford@watkinssolicitors.co.uk. Interviews will take place remotely.

This firm welcomes applications from all sections of the community irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.