Partner Designate

Location: Stevenage, SG1 Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 (depending on experience) Permanent: Monday – Friday (9am – 5:15pm) Job Code: MJ2308 Partner Designate (Future Equity Partner) An exceptional succession opportunity has arisen for a senior legal professional to join an established, highly respected, SRA-regulated law firm in Stevenage as Partner Designate. This is not a hypothetical or open-ended progression offer; it is a structured, defined path to full Equity Partnership timed directly with the planned retirement of an existing Equity Partner in April 2027. Joining the practice in a salaried capacity initially, the successful candidate will work alongside the outgoing Partner during a comprehensive handover period, ensuring a seamless transfer of client relationships, operational leadership, and regulatory oversights. Operating across key practice areas including Residential Conveyancing, Litigation, Private Client, Employment, and Family Law, all backed by dedicated secretarial support, the firm offers a stable, well-resourced environment. This position is ideal for an ambitious, commercially minded senior lawyer seeking immediate senior influence and a clear, guaranteed trajectory into firm ownership. Key Responsibilities: * Work directly alongside the retiring Equity Partner during a structured handover to assume operational control, steer firm strategy, and drive overall performance ahead of the April 2027 transition. * Actively manage and develop a high-quality caseload while maintaining and expanding existing client and referrer relationships. * Take a central role in regulatory oversight, risk management, and SRA compliance, actively fulfilling or stepping into COFA responsibilities and ensuring strict adherence to SRA Accounts Rules. * Mentor, supervise, and support fee earners and support staff across departments to maintain high operational standards and foster team growth. * Lead business development initiatives, networking efforts, and referrer management to ensure sustained financial growth and market presence. * Contribute directly to financial planning, budgeting, and practice performance metrics in preparation for full equity ownership. What They Are Looking For: * Qualified Solicitor with extensive post-qualification experience (PQE). * Current or former Partner, Legal Director, or Senior Associate with proven experience in team management and firm operations within a regulated law firm environment. * In-depth working knowledge of SRA Standards and Regulations, compliance, and risk management. * Direct experience as a COFA, or a strong foundation in SRA Accounts Rules and a clear willingness to assume COFA responsibilities. * Demonstrated track record in business development, referrer relationship management, and driving fee income. * Background in Employment Law or Family Law is strongly preferred. * Senior candidates with backgrounds in Litigation or Commercial/Property work will also be strongly considered, provided they demonstrate exceptional management and leadership capability. Benefits: * Private Health Cover * 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays * Birthday Leave * Workplace pension scheme * Ongoing training and support * Friendly and supportive environment ***Despite our best efforts it is not always possible to respond to every application individually due to the high volume of responses we receive on each vacancy. Only candidates who are short listed will be contacted for this particular role and if you have not heard from us within 7 days please assume that you have not been successful. However, we will keep your details on our database, and will contact you when other suitable positions become available