Partner Designate

Cameron Clarke Associates t/a talent-finder; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Cameron Clarke Associates t/a talent-finder, on behalf of an established SRA-regulated law firm in Stevenage, seeks a Partner Designate to lead Family and Employment Law with a clear route to Equity Partnership after the current Equity Partner retires in April 2027.

The role is succession-based, with a structured handover to gain an in-depth view of clients, finances, and operations, ensuring continuity of leadership.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with 8–10 years’ PQE.
• Proven commercial track record with personal fees billed and collected.
• Strong leadership and team-management experience within a law firm.
• Experience in COFA and SRA Accounts Rules; risk and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the retiring Equity Partner during a formal handover.
• Manage and develop a caseload while growing client relationships.
• Generate and collect personal fees in line with the firm’s expectations.
• Take an active role in operational and strategic management of the firm.
• Supervise and develop fee earners and support staff.
• Oversee regulatory compliance, financial controls, risk management and governance (COFA).
• Support business development and build referrer relationships.
• Contribute to financial planning and firm-wide performance.
• Prepare for potential equity progression and long-term succession planning.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationship management

Regulatory compliance

Strategic thinking

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

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