Practice Manager

Company: Austen Lloyd Limited
Apply for the Practice Manager
Location: Essex
Job Description:

Job Description

Practice Manager

n

n A well-established boutique law firm in Essex is looking to appoint an experienced Practice Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the practice, with a particular focus on HR and people management.

n

This is a hands-on role working closely with the Partners and playing a key part in ensuring the firm has the right people, processes and support in place to operate effectively.

n

The Role

n

The role will have a strong emphasis on HR and people management, including:

n

    n

  • Acting as the main point of contact for all HR and employee matters
  • n

  • Managing the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through to performance management and departures
  • n

  • Supporting Partners and fee earners with employee relations, absence, conduct and performance matters
  • n

  • Overseeing appraisals, training, development and staff wellbeing
  • n

  • Maintaining and developing HR policies and procedures
  • n

  • Supporting recruitment and helping the firm attract and retain high-quality legal staff
  • n

  • Managing the day-to-day operational running of the practice
  • n

  • Working closely with the Partners on staffing, resourcing and wider business matters
  • n

n

There will also be a smaller finance element, with responsibility for overseeing areas such as billing, credit control, payroll and management information, alongside the firm's existing finance support.

n

About You

n

    n

  • You must have previous Practice Manager experience within a law firm and a strong understanding of the people and operational issues that come with running a legal practice.
  • n

  • You will be confident dealing with Partners and employees at all levels, comfortable handling sensitive HR matters and able to take ownership of issues rather than simply providing administrative support.
  • n

  • A good understanding of legal finance and practice management systems will also be important, although this is primarily a people and HR-focused Practice Manager position rather than a finance-led role.
  • n

n

Why Apply?

n

    n

  • Key management position within an established boutique Essex law firm
  • n

  • Strong emphasis on HR, people and employee management
  • n

  • Direct involvement with the Partners
  • n

  • Genuine influence over the firm's people and working practices
  • n

  • Opportunity to make a visible impact within a smaller legal practice
  • n

…

Posted: October 1st, 2026