Role – Practice Manager
Location: Wanstead
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role
An established and growing multi-disciplinary law firm is seeking an experienced and proactive Practice Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the business.
This is a senior operational role that will work closely with the Partners to ensure the firm operates efficiently, remains fully compliant with regulatory requirements and continues to deliver an excellent service to clients.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys leading people, improving processes and taking ownership of the operational side of a busy legal practice.
Recruitment forms only a small part of this role.
Key Responsibilities
Practice & Operations Management
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the law firm.
- Support the Partners in delivering the firm’s strategic objectives.
- Develop, implement and improve office systems, policies and operational procedures.
- Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
- Ensure high standards of client service are maintained across the firm.
- Manage relationships with suppliers and external service providers.
Compliance & Risk
- Ensure compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulations and the SRA Accounts Rules.
- Work alongside the firm’s COLP and COFA (or Partners) to maintain regulatory compliance.
- Monitor Anti-Money Laundering (AML), GDPR and other regulatory obligations.
- Oversee compliance policies, audits and internal procedures.
- Coordinate annual practising certificate renewals.
- Support the renewal of the firm’s Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Financial Oversight
- Oversee the firm’s accounts function alongside the legal cashier/accounts team.
- Monitor client account procedures and financial controls.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting and operational expenditure.
- Support cash flow monitoring, billing performance and debt recovery.
- Liaise with external accountants where required.
People Management
- Line manage a team of approximately two to three support staff.
- Conduct performance reviews and regular one-to-one meetings.
- Support staff development, training and wellbeing.
- Manage recruitment, onboarding and induction when vacancies arise.
- Assist with performance management and HR processes where required.
Technology & Systems
- Oversee the firm’s practice management and case management systems.
- Work with external IT providers to ensure systems remain secure and efficient.
- Identify opportunities to improve workflows through technology and automation.
Business Support
- Assist the Partners with operational planning and business growth initiatives.
- Produce management information and operational reports.
- Support quality standards, accreditations and continuous improvement projects.
Essential Experience
- A minimum of two years’ experience working within a UK law firm as a Practice Manager, Assistant Practice Manager or in a similar legal operations role.
- Strong understanding of SRA regulations and the SRA Accounts Rules.
- Experience overseeing client account procedures.
- Previous line management experience.
- Experience managing or supporting an accounts or legal cashiering function.
- Knowledge of Professional Indemnity Insurance renewals and practising certificate administration.
- Experience supporting recruitment and HR processes.
- Strong understanding of legal practice operations.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £45,000–£50,000 depending on experience.
- Opportunity to join an established and respected law firm.
- A supportive working environment with genuine autonomy.
- Ongoing professional development.
- Pension scheme.
- Annual leave entitlement.
- Opportunity to play a key role in the firm’s continued growth and success.
…