Practice Manager

Location: East London & South London (required to attend both offices - 4 days in the nearest office, 1 day in the other)
Salary: £40,000 + (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time, Permanent

Job Summary

A well-established law firm is seeking a highly organised and experienced Practice Manager to oversee its daily operations across two office locations in East and South London. This is a law firm role and requires an individual with experience in legal practice management, particularly in finance, compliance, HR, and operational efficiency.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the firm runs smoothly, remains compliant with SRA regulations, and supports legal professionals in delivering exceptional client service. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with law firm management experience to take ownership of a growing and evolving firm's operational structure.

The candidate

1. Oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency, regulatory compliance, and high-quality client service.
2. Manage financial administration, including budgeting, billing, receipting targets, debt collection, and financial reporting.
3. Ensure full compliance with SRA regulations, AML requirements, GDPR, and risk management policies.
4. Manage HR responsibilities, including recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews, and professional development of staff.
5. Supervise legal technology systems, including case management software (LEAP), financial software (Xero), and IT infrastructure.
6. Develop and implement firm-wide policies and procedures, particularly for IT security, client data protection, and professional indemnity insurance.
7. Support solicitors and fee earners with operational efficiency, ensuring smooth workflows and adherence to legal practice standards.
8. Oversee supplier contracts, office facilities, and procurement to ensure cost-effectiveness and operational continuity.
9. Address client inquiries and concerns professionally, enhancing relationships and maintaining the firm's reputation.
10. Prepare operational and financial performance reports for senior management and partners.

Qualifications & Skills

1. Essential: Experience in a Practice Manager or Operations Manager role within a law firm (applications without law firm experience will not be considered).
2. Strong financial management skills, including knowledge of legal billing, budgeting, and receipting targets.
3. Comprehensive understanding of SRA compliance, AML procedures, and GDPR requirements.
4. Proficiency in legal technology, particularly LEAP, Xero, and Microsoft 365.
5. Excellent organisational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
6. Strong leadership and HR experience, including staff recruitment, development, and performance management.
7. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with legal professionals and external stakeholders.
8. Proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
9. Ability to travel between East and South London offices, working four days in the nearest office and one day in the other.

Benefits

1. Company pension
2. Free On-site parking (as and when available)
3. Private medical insurance (Post Probation)
4. Work From Home (Post Probation)

Why apply?

1. This is a key leadership role within a well-established law firm.
2. Diverse responsibilities across finance, HR, IT, and compliance, offering variety and challenge.
3. A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team open to innovation and process improvement.
4. Competitive salary (£40,000 +) and benefits package.
5. Opportunity to make a significant impact, leading a dedicated team and shaping the firm's future.

Please message Owen @ Eclectic Recruitment for more info