Head of Family / Partner

A leading and highly respected law firm is seeking an exceptional Family Lawyer to join the firm as Partner / Head of Department.

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished Family Solicitor or Barrister with 10+ years’ PQE (or equivalent post-call experience) to lead and further develop a successful and established Family practice.

The successful candidate will combine outstanding technical expertise with strong leadership capability, commercial awareness, and a proven track record of developing and sustaining a successful practice.

The Opportunity

• You will play a central role in shaping the strategic direction of the department, managing and mentoring team members, strengthening referral relationships, and driving continued growth of the practice.
• Alongside a varied and high-quality caseload, you will take an active role in practice development, departmental management, and wider firm leadership.
• This position offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative and values-driven partnership recognised for excellence, integrity, and achieving outstanding outcomes for clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Family department, supervising fee earners and support staff
• Handle a complex and high-quality caseload across all aspects of Family law
• Develop and implement strategic business development and marketing initiatives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, referrers, counsel, and professional contacts
• Drive financial performance, billing, and departmental growth
• Provide strategic legal advice and representation to clients from a broad range of backgrounds
• Support and mentor junior lawyers, contributing to training, supervision, and professional development
• Contribute actively to the wider management and success of the firm as part of the partnership team

About You

You will be an experienced and commercially astute Family Lawyer with:

• At least 10 years’ PQE or equivalent experience
• Extensive expertise across Family law matters
• Excellent advocacy, negotiation, and client management skills
• A demonstrable track record of successful business development and private billing
• Established referral networks and an expanding client base
• Strong leadership and people management capability
• Excellent drafting, strategic thinking, and communication skills
• A collaborative and proactive approach to team and firm-wide engagement
• Membership of relevant Family law organisations or panels would be advantageous.

The Firm

The firm is recognised for its outstanding legal expertise, collaborative culture, and commitment to excellence. This role offers the opportunity to lead a respected department, work alongside highly regarded practitioners, and contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and success of the practice.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior Family lawyer seeking genuine leadership, autonomy, and long-term career progression within a prestigious and forward-thinking firm.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, contact Alice Neal at alice@lrlegal.co.uk or call for a confidential discussion on 02084642524 (office hours) or 07904922615 (out of office hours).

LR Legal is a specialist legal recruitment agency with a reputation based on trust and integrity. We will always ask your permission before sending your CV to any of our clients.

The PQE identified on this advertisement is a guide only and does not preclude applications from those with more or less PQE.

LR Legal Recruitment is operating as an Employment Agency in respect of this vacancy.

*We require a lawyer who has gained the necessary experience for the position advertised. The PQE identified on this advertisement is a guide only and does not preclude applications from those with more or less PQE.