Andy File Associates Limited is working as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client with regards this Fixed Term contract position.

Our very busy client is now looking for an experienced Wills & Probate Solicitor to cover a period of maternity leave. Based in their London Office, on a full-time basis with the opportunity for flexible homeworking, the successful candidate will manage a well-established Wills & Probate department and a varied Private Client caseload.

As Head of Private Client, you will play an integral role in the department s success. Reporting directly to the Managing Director of Private Client & Leasehold Enfranchisement, this is a fantastic opportunity to head a successful Wills & Probate Team and work alongside highly experienced Solicitors who are experts in their field.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for managing the Wills and Probate team with line management responsibility for a Solicitor, two Paralegals, two Legal Secretary s, a Legal Assistant and a Consultant. Ensure the delivery of excellent client service, whilst maintaining an engaged and motivated team culture. Manage own caseload, monitor and deliver fully against personal targets with billing targets of GBP16,000 to GBP18,000 per calendar month. Responsible for providing high quality, timely, professional advice on Wills, Probate and Estate administration, Inheritance Planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection Work and Trusts. Provide clients with legal advice relevant to their cases, recording the advice, representing the best interests of the client in the transaction whilst managing client expectation. Support Managing Director of Private Client & Leasehold Enfranchisement with annual Salary Review process for Wills and Probate department in line with internal timeframes. Support Managing Director of Private Client & Leasehold Enfranchisement drafting, monitoring and reviewing annual Budget for the department in line with internal timeframes. Support the delivery of the department training and development strategy, ensuring training, development and mentoring of Wills and Probate team. Independently establish priorities and manage deadlines, developing a culture of teamwork, high performance with a strong focus on customer care. Deal with complex enquiries and complaints, recognising potential risks and resolving issues without putting the client or business at risk. Ensure that all files are billed correctly with the appropriate fees and on completion funds are sent to the correct place. Build excellent stakeholder relationships within the business. Responsibility for the management of the Will bank Responsibility for departmental recruitment and employee retention rates. Promote compliance with Movera company policy and procedure at all times. Technical Expertise:

Extensive knowledge in all non-contentious probate matters to include:-

Administration of estates both of high and low valued estates and varying in complexities with IHT, CGT and income tax considerations

Estates with a foreign element to include foreign domicile or foreign assets

Resealing Grants of Probate

Drafting all relevant applications for the Grant or Letters of Administration, including accompanying affidavits if required

Drafting detailed estate accounts

Drafting Deeds of Variation and Deeds of Appointment

Drafting IHT application forms and relevant tax forms

Drafting all Land Registry applications to include AS1 s, TR1 s, RX3 s and ST5

Ability to drafting wills varying in complexities to include discretionary will trusts, trusts for vulnerable adults and wills with a foreign element

Provide expert legal advice to clients regarding inheritance tax

Ability to draft Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Orders

Ability to draft Declaration of Trusts, varying in levels of complexities

Person Specification:

Previous experience in a similar role, with 5+ years PQE minimum.

Experience of managing a team with the ability to evidence excellent people management skills.

Must have experience of managing a varied Wills & Probate portfolio.

Must display strategic thinking and an analytical approach with the ability to demonstrate strong leadership, interpersonal and influencing skills.

Resilient with the ability to work effectively under pressure and to strict deadlines.

Ability to flex between a wide range of tasks dependent upon business needs.

Enthusiasm for delivering exceptional customer service, with strong problem solving and decision-making skills.

Benefits

23 days annual leave + Bank Holidays + your birthday off (this also increases with length of service). An additional 2 cultural/religious days which can be used to celebrate a Religious/Cultural occasion or holiday of your choice. Pension standard contribution Death in Service Benefit 2 x Annual Salary Generous conveyancing discounts for you, friends & family Employee Assistance Programme Reward Hub which has various discounts on retailers etc. Gym discounts Cycle to work Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses Long service awards Referral scheme bonus If you are a qualified solicitor with a passion for private client law and are looking for an opportunity to work in a dynamic legal environment, we would love to hear from you.