Family Legal Director / Partner

JMC Legal Recruitment; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

JMC Legal Recruitment is seeking a Family Legal Director or Partner in Manchester to lead the department, drive strategy, and grow a high‑value practice.

You will work with the national head of Family, manage a varied caseload including complex financial remedy and HNW matters, and mentor junior lawyers while developing client networks.

Qualifications

• 8+ years PQE in family law
• Experience leading or aspiring to lead a team
• Proven ability to win and retain work

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the strategy and growth of the Family department
• Supervise junior lawyers and develop the team
• Develop client relationships and leverage cross-referral networks
• Manage high‑value HNW/UHNW matters and complex financial remedy cases

Skills

Leadership

Client development

Team supervision

Strategic planning

Job description

Family Legal Director / Partner | 8+ Years PQE | Top 100 National Firm | Manchester

A unique leadership opportunity for an experienced Family lawyer to work alongside the national head of Family at a Top 100 national firm, taking a central role in shaping the strategy and growth of the department from Manchester.

The Firm

This leading Top 100 national firm stands out for its innovative, sector focused approach to client service. Deep industry knowledge sits at the heart of how it works, with particular strength across real estate, construction, renewable energy, agriculture, sport and private wealth. That client base gives its Family lawyers access to a wide and interesting mix of business owners, high net worth individuals and families.

The culture is collaborative and progressive, with a real commitment to work life balance. Flexibility is embedded across the business, and regular staff surveys, training and social events keep communication open at every level.

The firm is growing across its offices, with senior hires continuing to join the wider Family team.

The Role

You will work directly alongside the national head of Family, who is based in Manchester, as a key figure in driving the strategy and growth of the department. This is a rare chance to sit at the forefront of how a national practice develops, with real influence over where it goes next and the platform already in place to support it.

The caseload is varied and high value, with a strong focus on HNW and UHNW clients. Work includes:

• Divorce and financial remedy proceedings, including complex ancillary relief matters


• Matrimonial matters involving business assets, trusts, farmland and substantial property portfolios


• Children Act matters, including disputes over arrangements and international relocation


• Pre and post nuptial agreements and cohabitation disputes


• Wealth and asset protection advice for business owners and high net worth families

You will develop your own client relationships and use the firm's strong private wealth and business client network to generate cross referrals. Alongside your own caseload you will help lead and develop the wider team, supervising junior lawyers and playing a hands on part in building the practice.

The firm is open to the right candidate at Legal Director or Partner level.

The Ideal Candidate

• Family lawyer at Legal Director or Partner level with 8+ years PQE


• Experience handling complex financial remedy and HNW or UHNW family matters


• A track record of winning and retaining work, or a credible plan to do so


• Comfortable helping to lead a team and supervising junior lawyers


• Ambitious and motivated to take a senior role with real influence over how the practice develops

What's on Offer

• A unique leadership role working alongside the national head of Family


• A high value HNW and UHNW caseload with a strong referral network behind it


• A central part in shaping the strategy and growth of the department


• A clear and supported route to partnership for the right candidate


• Hybrid working and a culture that takes work life balance seriously


• Competitive salary, tailored to experience, and an outstanding benefits package