Job Description
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.