A method includes depositing a layer of pole material on a substrate. The layer of pole material has a bottom surface that is adjacent to the substrate and a top surface that is opposite the bottom surface. A masking material is deposited over a portion of the top surface. Material from the pole material unprotected by the masking material is removed to form a write pole having first and second side walls. At least a portion of a trench formed by removal of the material from the layer of pole material is filled with a sacrificial material. The mask and a portion of the write pole at the top surface are removed to form a beveled trailing edge surface. The sacrificial material is then removed. Front shield gap material is deposited over the beveled trailing edge surface and over portions of the side walls.