Partner Designate | Stevenage, Hertfordshire | Full Time | £50,000–£60,000 per annum

Our client is an established, SRA-regulated law firm based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, providing legal services across Residential Conveyancing, Litigation, Private Client, Employment and Family Law. The firm uses LEAP practice management software and is planning for the retirement of an existing Equity Partner in April 2027.

The Role

They are seeking an experienced senior solicitor to join the firm as Partner Designate, with the intention of providing a genuine route to Equity Partnership following the planned retirement of the existing Equity Partner in April 2027.

This is a succession-based appointment, with the successful candidate working alongside the retiring Equity Partner during a structured handover period to develop an understanding of the firm's clients, finances and operations.

The priority is to ensure continuity of leadership and take responsibility for Family and Employment Law. Candidates with experience in both areas are preferred, with Family Law prioritised where candidates do not have experience across both. Applications from other practice areas will also be considered where candidates demonstrate strong commercial performance, leadership capability and an appetite to develop their practice in Hertfordshire.

Progression to Equity Partnership will be subject to performance, suitability and agreement on the terms of admission. The equity structure, capital contribution and timing of any buy-in remain subject to discussion.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the retiring Equity Partner throughout the handover period
• Manage and develop a caseload while maintaining and growing client relationships
• Generate and collect personal fees in line with the firm's commercial expectations
• Take an active role in the operational and strategic management of the firm
• Supervise, support and develop fee earners and support staff
• Oversee regulatory compliance, financial controls, risk management and governance, including COFA responsibilities
• Support business development and develop referrer relationships
• Contribute to financial planning and the firm's overall performance
• Develop an understanding of the firm's clients, finances and operations in preparation for potential equity progression
• Contribute to the firm's future growth and long-term succession planning

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with ideally 8–10 years' post-qualification experience
• Proven commercial track record, with personal fees billed and collected of at least £20,000 per month (£240,000 annually)
• Previous COFA experience, with a sound understanding of SRA Accounts Rules, financial controls, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Demonstrable leadership and team management experience within a law firm
• Strong business development and client relationship management capabilities
• Ability to operate at senior leadership level within an SRA-regulated environment
• Commercially driven, with the ability to balance fee earning, leadership and compliance responsibilities
• A genuine appetite to contribute to the firm's growth and develop a long-term practice in Hertfordshire

Desirable

• Experience across both Family Law and Employment Law
• Family Law experience, particularly for candidates without Employment Law experience
• Experience in Litigation, Commercial Law, Residential Conveyancing or other property-related work
• Previous Partner, Legal Director or senior leadership experience, although a formal Partner title is not essential

What’s In It For You

• Employed salary of £50,000–£60,000 per annum
• A genuine succession opportunity within an established law firm
• The opportunity to work alongside the existing Equity Partner during a structured handover
• Potential progression to Equity Partnership following the planned retirement in April 2027, subject to performance, suitability and agreed terms
• Indicative potential annual profit allocation of £125,000 or more following progression to equity, dependent on the firm's financial performance and agreed profit-sharing arrangements, before personal tax costs
• The opportunity to contribute to the firm's strategic direction and long-term growth