• Manage a growing portfolio of audit clients across a range of sectors
• Deliver high quality audit assignments in a timely and efficient manner, reporting to the Directors
• Ensure all audits comply with regulatory and professional standards
• Plan audits with the Directors and Audit Senior, assess risks, and develop tailored audit programmes
• Own client relationships, supporting existing and new clients and delivering excellent client care
• Take responsibility for budgets, billing and recoveries to achieve agreed targets
• Coach junior team members and provide constructive feedback to promote best practice
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of audit processes and quality

• Strong communication skills and confidence in a client-facing environment
• Excellent time management, with the ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to quality
• Comfortable travelling for audit visits and working across different office locations

• Strong technical knowledge of accounting and auditing standards
• Previous audit management experience within a UK practice environment
• Proven client relationship experience, including handling queries and managing expectations
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Experience using audit software (MyWorkpapers experience would be ideal)

• ACA / ACCA qualified, with a strong background in practice

• 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 09:00am – 5:30pm (hours may vary depending on audit visits)
• Flexible working around core hours 10:30am – 4:00pm when in the office

Partner / Head of Family Department

Salary: £110,000 to £180,000 + Equity Potential

Location: London

Leadership Opportunity in a Top-Tier Practice

Shape the Future of a Leading Family Law Practice

This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of a highly regarded Family Department within a top-tier, award-winning law firm. Our client is seeking an accomplished Family Partner to lead, grow and strategically develop a successful team with an outstanding reputation across complex private family matters.

If you are a senior family lawyer with a strong personal profile, leadership capability, and ambition to influence firm-wide strategy, this role offers genuine autonomy, progression, and long-term equity potential.

The Opportunity

As Partner / Head of Department, you will play a pivotal role in driving the next phase of growth. You will lead an established team while continuing to build your own high-quality caseload and expanding the firm’s market presence.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and develop the Family Department, setting strategic direction
• Mentor and manage a team of fee earners with a collaborative, inclusive approach
• Drive departmental growth, balancing children and financial workstreams

Client & Case Work

• Manage a complex caseload including:
  • Private children proceedings
  • Divorce and high-value financial remedy matters
  • International family law issues (including abduction and adoption)
• Deliver exceptional client service to high-net-worth and complex clients

Business Development

• Expand and strengthen referral networks
• Enhance the department’s profile in the market
• Contribute to firm-wide growth initiatives

Financial Performance

• Maintain a strong track record of billing and collections
• Ensure departmental financial targets are met and exceeded

Requirements

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• Minimum 10+ years’ PQE with significant UK private family law experience
• Established reputation with demonstrable following (preferred for equity consideration)

Technical Expertise

• Strong experience across:
  • Private family law (children and financial matters)
  • International family law cases
• Excellent knowledge of Family Law procedures and legislation
• Membership of relevant organisations (e.g. Resolution) desirable

Skills & Attributes

• Proven leadership and team management experience
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking
• Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills
• Demonstrable success in practice development and client relationship building

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £110,000 – £180,000 + equity/partnership structure
• Clear pathway to Equity Partnership (if not already attained)
• High-quality, complex and high-profile work
• Hybrid working arrangement (London-based office with flexibility)
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Performance-related bonus structure
• Professional development and leadership training
• Strong internal support network and collaborative culture

Location & Working Arrangement

• London (central office location)
• Hybrid working available, with flexibility based on business needs

Apply Now

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

All enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence.

Partner / Head of Employment Department 

Salary: £120,000 to £190,000 + Equity Potential

Location: London | Lead a Top-Tier Practice

A Strategic Leadership Role at the Forefront of Employment Law

This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly respected Employment Department within a top-tier, award-winning law firm. Our client is seeking an accomplished Employment Partner to drive growth, shape strategy, and lead on complex, high-profile matters across both contentious and non-contentious employment law.

Working with an exceptional client base—including commercial organisations, NGOs and high-profile individuals—you will play a central role in developing the department’s future while maintaining a strong personal practice.

The Opportunity

As Partner / Head of Department, you will take ownership of an established and successful team, with the autonomy to expand its offering and influence the firm’s wider strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Employment team
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture
• Supervise and support the progression of junior fee earners

Client Work & Technical Delivery

• Manage a diverse caseload across:
  • Contentious and non-contentious employment matters
  • Discrimination and complex litigation cases
  • Advisory work for both employers and employees
• Act on high-profile and sensitive matters of significant public interest

Business Development & Strategy

• Drive growth through strategic business development initiatives
• Build and maintain strong client and referrer relationships
• Enhance the department’s reputation and market presence

Financial & Operational Performance

• Maintain a strong billing and financial performance record
• Contribute to the firm’s overall commercial strategy

Requirements

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
• Minimum 10+ years’ PQE with substantial UK employment law experience
• Proven experience at Senior Associate / Legal Director / Partner level

Technical Expertise

• Strong experience advising:
  • Employers and senior executives
  • Across contentious and non-contentious employment law
• Demonstrable expertise in:
  • Discrimination litigation
  • Employment Tribunal and High Court matters
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and regulatory frameworks

Skills & Attributes

• Proven leadership and team management capability
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic mindset
• Track record in business development and practice growth
• Established client following or referrer network (highly desirable)
• Excellent negotiation, communication and organisational skills

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £120,000 – £190,000 + equity/partnership structure
• Clear pathway to Equity Partnership (if not already attained)
• Access to high-quality, complex and high-profile work
• Hybrid working with flexibility
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Ongoing leadership and professional development
• Strong internal support and collaborative culture

Location & Working Arrangement

• London (central office location)
• Hybrid working model with flexibility depending on business needs

Apply Now

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Property Lawyer (5 PQE) – CQS Senior Reporting Officer
Salary: £55,000–£60,000 + Fee Share
Location: London 

The Opportunity

An ambitious and growing law firm is looking to appoint a Property Lawyer (circa 5 PQE) to take on a dual role combining fee earning with CQS Senior Reporting Officer responsibilities.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a strategic, compliance-influencing position within a modern firm that advises on a broad range of real estate matters, including residential and commercial transactions, development, and finance. 

You’ll play a key role in shaping quality standards, supporting best practice, and influencing how the property function evolves.

The Role

This position combines hands-on legal work with compliance leadership, including:

• Managing a reduced caseload of residential conveyancing matters

• Acting as CQS Senior Reporting Officer, ensuring adherence to protocol and lender requirements

• Conducting file reviews and audits to maintain quality and mitigate risk

• Supporting and mentoring junior team members

• Driving process improvements and best practice across the team

• Acting as a key point of contact for compliance-related queries

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A Qualified Solicitor with circa 5 years’ PQE

• Experienced in residential conveyancing, with strong technical grounding

• Interested in stepping into a more strategic / compliance-focused role

• Detail-oriented, with a strong understanding of risk, file management, and client care

• Confident communicating with stakeholders at all levels

Previous exposure to CQS, audits, or supervision would be highly advantageous.

The Firm

• A modern, forward-thinking law firm with a growing presence in the London market

• Advises across multiple practice areas including real estate, corporate, dispute resolution and finance 

• Known for delivering tailored, client-focused legal solutions and building long-term client relationships 

• Offers a collaborative environment with a focus on quality, efficiency, and innovation

What’s on Offer

• Competitive base salary up to £60,000

• Attractive fee-sharing scheme with strong earning potential

• Clear pathway into senior leadership / Head of Department

• Opportunity to transition away from a high-volume caseload

• Supportive and entrepreneurial working culture

Why Apply?

This role is ideal for a mid-level property lawyer who wants to:

• Move beyond pure fee earning

• Gain exposure to compliance and leadership responsibilities

• Play a meaningful role in shaping a growing property team

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please get in touch.

David Hawthorne-Finch

d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

0333 996 2882

Private Client Solicitor (3+ PQE)

Salary: £55,000–£75,000 + Profit-Related Bonus

Location: Romford (Office-based with flexible working)

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting Wills, including complex Wills
• Preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
• Probate and full estate administration
• Grant of Probate applications
• Inheritance Tax (IHT) and succession planning
• Trusts work
• Court of Protection matters

Requirements (What We’re Looking For)

• 3+ years’ PQE as a Private Client Solicitor in the UK
• UK private practice experience handling private client matters end-to-end
• Confidence across core private client work, with exposure to elderly client law highly valued
• STEP and/or SFE accreditation/affiliation (ideal, not essential)
• A proven track record of meeting fee targets and contributing to business development
• A practical, client-first approach with strong organisation and case management skills
• LEAP case management experience (preferred)
• Willingness to engage in local networking and practice development, so reasonable commuting distance to Romford is important

Salary, Working Arrangements & Location

• Salary: £55,000–£75,000 (DOE)
• Bonus: Very generous individual profit-related pay scheme (based on your performance)
• Location: Romford (with local office presence required)
• Working pattern: Full-time with a flexible working contract in place
• Targets: Realistic annual billing targets designed to support quality work and long-term retention

Benefits Package

• Fast-track progression opportunities, including potential management pathway
• Dedicated support staff
• Company pension
• Employee discount scheme
• Parking available
• Holiday: 5.6 weeks per annum including bank holidays (full-time)
• Additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year
• Extra day off for your birthday (after 6 months’ service)
• Staff social events

Apply / Enquire (Confidential)

Private Client Solicitor (2+ Years PQE)

Salary: £45,000 - £60,000 + Excellent Benefits Package
Location: Chelmsford Area, Essex | Hybrid Working Available
Clear Career Progression | Supportive Team | High-Quality Private Client Work

Build a Rewarding Private Client Career with a Firm That Truly Values Client Care

Are you a compassionate and technically skilled Private Client Solicitor looking for an opportunity where your expertise genuinely makes a difference?

Our client, a highly regarded and growing legal practice in the Chelmsford area, is seeking a talented Private Client Solicitor with a minimum of 2 years' PQE to join their successful team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with a loyal client base, handle high-quality private client matters, and develop your career within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

With a strong reputation for outstanding client service and ambitious growth plans, our client offers the perfect platform for an ambitious lawyer who is passionate about delivering sensitive, practical advice during some of life's most important moments.

The Opportunity

As part of an established and collaborative Private Client team, you will manage a varied caseload while building long-term relationships with clients and professional contacts.

You will be responsible for:

• Advising clients on Wills, Probate, Estate Administration and Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Managing Court of Protection matters
• Providing clear, sensitive and practical legal advice tailored to individual circumstances
• Meeting clients both face-to-face and remotely
• Drafting legal documentation accurately and efficiently
• Building and nurturing strong client relationships
• Maintaining compliance with SRA regulations and internal procedures
• Managing files effectively and ensuring high standards of client care throughout
• Supporting business development initiatives and helping to generate new opportunities
• Collaborating with colleagues to achieve departmental objectives and KPIs

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• Minimum 2 years' PQE in Private Client law
• Previous UK private practice experience handling private client matters
• Proven experience managing a caseload of:
  • Wills
  • Probate and Estate Administration
  • Lasting Powers of Attorney
  • Court of Protection matters
• Excellent drafting and technical legal skills
• Strong knowledge of relevant private client legislation and procedures
• Exceptional client care and relationship management abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and attention to detail

Desirable

• STEP qualification or working towards STEP accreditation
• Experience with trusts and estate planning
• Business development or networking experience
• Experience using legal case management systems

Personal Attributes

You will be:

• Empathetic and approachable
• Calm and professional under pressure
• Client-focused and solutions-driven
• A collaborative team player
• Committed to delivering exceptional service standards
• Passionate about supporting clients through sensitive and often emotional circumstances

Career Development & Progression

Our client is committed to investing in its people and offers genuine opportunities for long-term career growth, including:

• Structured professional development
• Ongoing technical and legal training
• Exposure to complex and high-value private client matters
• Opportunities to develop business development skills
• Clear pathways for progression within the team

Benefits Package

In addition to a competitive salary, you will receive:

• Hybrid working arrangements
• 26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Additional annual leave through a loyalty scheme
• Office closure between Christmas and New Year
• Ongoing professional training and development
• Staff referral scheme
• Regular team socials and events
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Career progression opportunities
• Modern technology and systems
• High-quality existing client base

Apply Today

If you are a Private Client Solicitor seeking a role where you can further develop your expertise, work with quality clients and progress your career within a supportive and ambitious firm, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch

Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Commercial Property Solicitor (3+ PQE)

Salary: £55,000–£75,000 + DOE

Location: Chelmsford area | Hybrid working + 26 days’ holiday

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities (What you’ll be doing)

• Managing a varied commercial property caseload, including:
  • Sales and purchases of commercial property
  • Commercial leases (acting for both landlord and tenant)
  • Surrenders and assignments (acting for both landlord and tenant)
  • SIPP purchases with leasebacks
  • Option agreements (acting for both owner and developer)
  • Residential lease extensions and collective enfranchisement (as required)
• Building strong relationships with new and existing clients, with a focus on service and repeat work
• Supporting business development activity and spotting opportunities in the local market
• Working closely with colleagues to achieve monthly targets and KPIs

About You (Requirements)

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• 3+ years’ PQE with strong UK commercial property experience (private practice)
• Confidence handling matters with appropriate supervision, and the judgement to escalate when needed
• Strong drafting and technical capability across leases and transactional work
• A client-first approach, with the communication skills to explain issues clearly and commercially
• A positive, team-oriented mindset with ambition to grow with the department

What’s on Offer (Benefits)

• £55,000–£75,000 salary (dependent on experience) plus bonus potential
• Hybrid and flexible working (role-dependent, discussed at interview)
• 26 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
• Annual leave loyalty scheme
• Closed between Christmas and New Year
• Medicash (health, dental and eyecare)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Team events and socials
• Staff referral scheme
• Dress down Fridays

Career Progression

Apply / Next Steps

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial leases (including shop leases, new leases and renewals)
• Sales and purchases of commercial property
• Lease extensions and related advisory work
• Rent reviews
• Independent Legal Advice (ILA) where required
• Liaising directly with clients, agents and other third parties to progress matters efficiently

What We’re Looking For

• 1+ years’ PQE (or equivalent experience) in Commercial Property
• UK-qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive (CILEx), or demonstrably equivalent UK fee-earning experience
• UK law firm experience handling commercial property matters (essential)
• Confidence managing files with appropriate supervision and knowing when to escalate
• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail across leases and supporting documentation
• A client-focused approach with clear, professional communication

• Experience with landlord and tenant matters (particularly retail/shop leases)
• Familiarity with lease documentation, title review, and transaction management from instruction to completion
• Comfortable working to deadlines and managing multiple live matters

Salary, Location & Working Arrangements

• Salary: £35,000–£50,000 (dependent on experience)
• Location: Hornchurch area 
• Working arrangement: Hybrid working may be available depending on experience and team needs (to be confirmed)

Benefits

• Bonus potential (role and firm dependent)
• 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (common market standard)
• Pension contribution
• Supportive supervision and training to strengthen technical capability
• Clear progression pathway as the department continues to grow
• A stable pipeline of work and the chance to develop long-term client relationships

Career Progression

Apply / Enquire (Confidential)

Domestic Abuse Solicitor (NQ–2 PQE)

Salary: £35,000–£50,000

Location: Watford

Legal Aid + Advocacy Exposure

The Role (What you’ll be doing)

• Managing a caseload of domestic abuse and related family matters, including urgent/emergency cases
• Preparing and issuing applications including Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders, and related proceedings (e.g., Prohibited Steps Orders)
• Drafting witness statements, court documentation, and bundles to a high standard
• Conducting advocacy at hearings where appropriate (or supporting counsel where required)
• Liaising with courts, police, support agencies and third parties to progress matters efficiently
• Completing Legal Aid applications via CCMS, including emergency applications
• Maintaining excellent file management, time recording, billing compliance and confidentiality at all times

Client Care and Approach

• Take detailed instructions sensitively and professionally
• Work in a trauma-informed way, maintaining strong boundaries and clear communication
• Deliver a consistently high standard of client care under time pressure

Teamwork, Supervision and Department Growth

• Support and guide paralegals by delegating appropriate tasks
• Participate in team meetings, training and case discussions
• Contribute to outreach, community links and wider departmental development

Requirements (What we’re looking for)

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
• NQ to 2 years’ PQE (or equivalent post-qualification experience)
• UK-based family law experience, including domestic abuse/injunction matters (pre-qualification experience welcomed)
• Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency processes and CCMS
• Confidence managing a caseload with urgency, sensitivity and strong attention to detail
• Strong drafting skills (statements, applications, bundles) and sound procedural knowledge
• Competence with Microsoft Office and legal case management systems

• Advocacy experience at hearings
• Experience supervising/mentoring paralegals or trainees
• Additional language skills
• Community outreach/public engagement experience

Salary, Location and Working Arrangements

• Salary: £35,000–£50,000 (dependent on experience)
• Location: Watford (details of hybrid/office expectations to be confirmed at shortlist stage)
• Role type: Permanent

Benefits (Beyond hybrid working)

• Structured supervision and support to develop your domestic abuse/injunction expertise
• Advocacy exposure and court experience to build confidence quickly
• Clear progression opportunities within a growing team
• A collaborative environment with a strong focus on quality and client care
• Ongoing training and CPD aligned to Legal Aid and family law developments

Apply / Enquire (Confidential)

Corporate & Commercial Solicitor (5+ PQE)

Salary: £85,000–£120,000 + bonus

Location: London

High-autonomy role with genuine department growth remit

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a corporate-led caseload, with scope to support wider commercial matters where appropriate
• Advising on transactions and corporate advisory work, including (depending on experience):
  • Share and asset acquisitions/disposals
  • Shareholder agreements and investment documentation
  • Corporate governance and reorganisations
  • Commercial contracts (as required)
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships, with an emphasis on repeat business and referrals
• Contributing to business development, including networking, cross-referrals and supporting department growth plans
• Supporting and mentoring junior colleagues (where relevant)

Requirements (Essential)

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales
• 5+ years’ PQE with strong UK corporate law experience (private practice)
• Demonstrable experience handling corporate matters with appropriate autonomy
• Confidence in client-facing advisory work and stakeholder management
• Interest in (or track record of) business development and contributing to growth

Desirable (Nice to Have)

• Some form of client following or evidence of originating work (this can be modest)
• Experience supporting a broader commercial contracts workload
• Mentoring/supervision experience

Salary & Benefits

• £85,000–£120,000 basic salary (dependent on PQE, expertise and following)
• Bonus / performance-related incentives (where applicable)
• Pension contribution
• 25+ days annual leave plus bank holidays (typical for level, confirmed at offer stage)
• Hybrid working (pattern to be confirmed, with London office base)
• Professional development support, including training and clear progression opportunities as the department grows
• A role with genuine autonomy and visibility, offering a realistic pathway to increased responsibility and leadership over time

Location & Working Arrangements

• London (office-based team with hybrid working available)
• Working pattern and flexibility can be discussed based on experience and team needs.

Interested? Apply in Confidence