Practice Manager in London

Wilberforce Chambers is a leading UK set specialising in Chancery and Commercial law. The Chambers' members handle some of the most intellectually challenging and legally significant matters at the Bar today, providing advocacy, advisory, arbitration and mediation services to clients across the UK and internationally from their modern, collaborative offices in London's legal heartland.

Job Summary / Key Accountabilities

• Provide an effective and efficient practice management service to all members of the designated team of barristers and, where agreed, to members outside that team.
• Manage the practice and expectations of team members, maintaining client relationships and actively developing new business opportunities.
• Deputise for the Senior Practice Manager in their absence to ensure continuous team operation.
• Collaborate with other Senior Practice Managers and Practice Managers to maintain the overall efficacy of the practice management function.
• Understand the Chambers' financial position and the financial expectations of individual members.
• Contribute positively to the Chambers' strategic plan and compliance with the Bar Council's Code of Conduct.
• Maintain strict adherence to the BSB Handbook and all relevant professional conduct requirements.

Specific Responsibilities

• A. Practice Management Function

• Ensure compliance with the BSB Handbook through personal conduct.
• Answer the telephone professionally and handle or refer queries appropriately, keeping comprehensive notes in the management system.
• Enter instructions and other case-related papers into the system promptly and pass them to the relevant member for action.
• Ensure the team complies with best‐practice requirements regarding money laundering, complaints, conflict searches and fair distribution of work.
• Professionally manage the diaries of all team members.
• Prepare for and attend appointments to fix hearings in all High Court divisions, recording details in the system and informing the team as required.
• Provide high‐quality support to team members for court and conference attendances, including arranging hearing details, paper delivery, copying authorities and addressing barrister requests.
• Ensure prompt exchange and lodging of Skeleton Arguments and Minutes of Order in line with Code of Conduct guidelines.
• Record and manage fee quotes and related worksheets within the Chambers' established time frames.
• Take full details of fee disputes, handling straightforward cases personally or referring to the Senior Practice Manager, Fees Clerk, Executive Director or Practice Director as appropriate.
• Assist with weekly updates from team members and support the Senior Practice Manager in the absence of PM.
• Provide cover for the late shift in the room and ensure the out‐of‐hours "on‐call" arrangement is adhered to.
• Execute any other tasks required by senior management, chambers or clients.

• Deliver a professional practice management service to clients to maintain existing relationships and foster new ones.
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of each member's practice and stay updated on their specific areas.
• Assist in identifying practice areas that may require additional focus or development.
• Attend client visits with potential or existing clients, producing and circulating detailed notes within five days.
• Support members in seminars, talks and interest groups, following up on leads and feedback.
• Assist Chambers' Marketing Team in promoting Chambers and its members.

• Provide first‐line support to the Senior Practice Manager for smooth team functioning.
• Deputise for the Senior Practice Manager as required.
• Lead by example through effective execution of the Practice Assistant role and set a positive example for junior staff.
• Supervise the Practice Assistant and Junior Clerk to deliver high‐quality practice management services.
• Develop and maintain inter‐team cooperation, providing and seeking support from other teams as necessary.
• Resolve client and barrister concerns promptly, referring to senior leadership when required.
• Adhere to established practice management room procedures and provide guidance to junior members.
• Contribute to weekly practice management meetings, adding to agendas and minutes as appropriate.
• Maintain and develop good relationships with all Chambers staff.

• Understand the Chambers' ongoing financial position and assist in meeting its financial targets.
• Assist members in maximizing their income and address any financial issues that arise.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Chambers' strategic plan.
• Develop an understanding of external market pressures and suggest policy changes to benefit the business.

• Perform any other tasks required to fulfil the role of Practice Manager.

Person Specifications

• A-levels, BTEC, ILM 3/5 or other relevant qualifications.
• Minimum three years' relevant experience in a similar environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Motivated, proactive and eager to learn.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly pressured environment.
• Team‐oriented and capable of working independently.
• Well‐presented, articulate and ambitious.

Benefits

• Payment of reasonable travel costs.
• Performance‐linked bonus.
• Private medical insurance.
• Workplace pension.
• Annual holiday allowance.
• Brand new office with wellness area and gym.