Family Law - Partner / Head of Department

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:

All enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence.