Head of Legal Practice

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Solicitor to take the lead at an established solicitors' firm in Rochdale. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious solicitor with experience in either Residential Conveyancing or Wills & Probate to take ownership of a growing practice, shape its future direction and play a key role in its long-term success with the support of a wider business group.

The firm currently focuses primarily on residential conveyancing, with a smaller wills and probate caseload. However, there are plans to grow these areas and potentially expand into additional areas of law in time, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to influence the firm's growth, develop new services and build a practice that reflects their own vision.

Unlike setting up a practice independently, this role offers the opportunity to enjoy the autonomy of running a firm without the financial and operational pressures typically associated with doing so. The successful candidate will have the backing of a wider business group, providing support with areas such as marketing, IT, finance and business operations, allowing them to focus on delivering excellent legal services and growing the practice.

The Role

As the lead Solicitor, you will take responsibility for the day to day running and future development of the practice. You will have the opportunity to help shape the firm's direction, oversee its existing caseload and identify opportunities for growth.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Taking overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and development of the practice.
• Managing your own caseload from instruction through to completion, ensuring a high standard of client service and compliance.
• Overseeing the firm's existing residential conveyancing and/or wills and probate work, depending on your area of expertise.
• Developing and implementing strategies to grow the firm, increase its client base and improve profitability.
• Identifying opportunities to expand into additional areas of law and helping to establish new legal services.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, referrers and other professional contacts.
• Ensuring the firm operates in accordance with relevant legal, regulatory and professional standards.
• Working closely with the wider business group, making effective use of its marketing, IT, financial and operational support.
• Helping to shape the firm's culture, processes and long-term strategic direction.

About You

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Solicitor who is ready to take the next step in their career and embrace the opportunity to lead and grow a legal practice.

Ideally, you will have around 7 years' PQE, although candidates with different levels of experience will be considered if they can demonstrate the necessary technical ability and ambition.

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

• Qualified Solicitor status with around 7 years' PQE, ideally with experience in residential conveyancing or wills and probate.
• Strong technical knowledge and the ability to manage a full caseload independently, from initial instruction through to completion.
• The confidence and experience to take responsibility for legal matters and make decisions without relying on external case sign off.
• Excellent organisational, communication and client relationship skills.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset, with a genuine interest in developing and growing a business.
• The ability to work autonomously, take ownership and make decisions while collaborating with the wider business.
• A commercial outlook and an interest in identifying new business opportunities and expanding legal services.

Previous management or leadership experience would be advantageous, but the key requirement is the confidence, capability and ambition to take ownership of a practice and help it grow.

What's on Offer?

• A genuine opportunity to lead a legal practice: Take ownership of the firm's day-to-day operations and play a central role in shaping the firm’s future.
• The autonomy of running your own practice: Enjoy the independence and responsibility of leading a firm without the financial risks and pressures of setting one up yourself.
• Established business support: Benefit from the backing of a wider group, including support with marketing, IT, finance and business operations.
• Opportunity for business growth: Play a key role in expanding the firm's services, developing new areas of law and growing its client base.
• Career progression: An opportunity to move into a senior leadership position and build something of your own.
• Flexible working: Initially office based in Rochdale, with the potential to move to hybrid working as you settle into the role. Hybrid working from the outset may also be considered for the right candidate.
• Manchester Location: The option to work with the wider business in Manchester City Centre.
• Competitive salary: Salary is open and will be tailored to the experience, skills and expectations of the successful candidate.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a Solicitor who wants more than simply managing a caseload. Whether your background is in conveyancing or wills and probate, this role offers the chance to take the lead, influence business decisions and build a successful practice with the support and resources of an established wider group.

If you are looking for greater autonomy, a new challenge and the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future of a firm, we would be keen to hear from you.

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