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- Tasks: Join a boutique law firm as a Senior Associate, building your own practice and managing existing clients.
- Company: Chadwick Nott connects you with top-tier boutique law firms in London, known for quality and profitability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive remuneration, potential partnership opportunities, and support in business development.
- Why this job: This role offers entrepreneurial freedom and the chance to grow your personal brand in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must have at least 8 years PQE and be an England & Wales qualified solicitor with a client following.
- Other info: Receive guidance on business planning and strategy to enhance your career trajectory.
Chadwick Nott has a number of longstanding relationships spanning over 20 years with leading boutique City and West End law firms. Often these firms punch above their size in the market in terms of quality of work, profitability and earning potential. Several are interested in bringing in talented senior associates (minimum 8 PQE) who already have some form of client following and have the ambition and drive to build a significant practice.
Level of client following will depend on remuneration; however, our clients are looking in the £300-500k range and will want to understand why you believe these clients will follow you. At this level of practice, you will be on the cusp of partnership at your current firm, however, you may find that for reasons outside of your control, partnership is either not achievable or is 1-2 years away.
The emphasis on a client following is because these firms are expanding and are looking for someone with strong BD and proven relationship building skills. However, these roles are not purely 'book of business' hires and you will also be working on the firms existing client base and in some cases be part of succession planning.
Successful candidates will have a minimum of 8 years PQE gained within a UK City or West End law firm and must be England & Wales qualified solicitors. You might currently be working for a boutique firm or alternatively you might be working for a Top 50 City or US law firm and be looking for a more entrepreneurial platform and be confident that clients who currently instruct you do so because of your 'personal brand name' and are not 'institutional clients'.
I can provide extensive guidance around building a business case and business planning as well as acting as a sounding board for any lawyers who have this level of following and are trying to assess whether they should move for immediate partnership or remain at their current firm.
Contact Detail:
Chadwick Nott Legal Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associates with client followings looking for partnership- Boutique London law firms
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically with existing partners and associates at boutique firms. Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops where you can meet key players in the legal sector. Building relationships in person can significantly enhance your chances of being noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your client following effectively during informal discussions. Be prepared to articulate why your clients trust you and how you plan to maintain and grow these relationships within a new firm. This will demonstrate your value beyond just a 'book of business'.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the specific boutique firms you are interested in. Understand their culture, values, and current client base. Tailoring your approach to align with their goals will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare a solid business case for your potential move. Outline how your skills and client relationships can contribute to the firm's growth. This proactive approach will show your ambition and readiness for partnership.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associates with client followings looking for partnership- Boutique London law firms
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Client Following: Clearly outline your existing client relationships in your application. Explain why these clients would follow you to a new firm, focusing on the strength of your personal brand and the value you bring to their legal needs.
Demonstrate Business Development Skills: Provide specific examples of your business development achievements. Detail how you've built and maintained client relationships, showcasing your ability to contribute to the firm's growth beyond just your existing client base.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the unique qualities of the boutique firms you are applying to. Emphasise your entrepreneurial spirit and readiness to engage with their existing client base while also expanding your own practice.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your vision for building a significant practice at the new firm. Prepare to articulate your understanding of the firm's culture and how you can align your goals with their expansion plans.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chadwick Nott Legal Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Client Following
Be prepared to discuss your existing client relationships in detail. Highlight why these clients trust you and how you plan to maintain and grow these connections at the new firm.
✨Demonstrate Business Development Skills
Illustrate your ability to build and nurture client relationships. Share specific examples of successful business development initiatives you've led, showcasing your entrepreneurial spirit.
✨Understand the Firm's Culture
Research the boutique firm's values and culture. Be ready to explain how your personal brand aligns with their ethos and how you can contribute to their growth while fitting into their team.
✨Prepare for Succession Planning Discussions
Since succession planning is a key aspect of these roles, think about how you can contribute to the firm's long-term strategy. Be ready to discuss your vision for the future and how you can help mentor junior associates.
