Practice Manager

Practice Manager

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Oversee daily operations, compliance, finance, and office management in a busy law firm.
  • Company: Established London law firm with a strong reputation for professionalism and client service.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Join a reputable firm and play a key role in ensuring operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in law firm management, compliance knowledge, and strong organisational skills.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and structured environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Established in 1975, a busy London law firm with a strong reputation for professionalism, regulatory integrity, and client service. We also operate a connected property-management function, requiring structured financial and administrative oversight. We are now seeking an experienced Practice & Operations Manager to act as the central operational backbone of the firm — ensuring compliance, financial control, operational efficiency, and a consistently high professional standard across all areas of the business. This is a hands-on, senior operational role suited to someone who is confident working autonomously, managing competing priorities, and operating at the intersection of law firm compliance, finance, IT, and office management.

The Practice & Operations Manager will be responsible for the smooth, compliant, and efficient running of the firm on a day-to-day basis. You will act as a key point of continuity and operational stability, supporting fee earners and senior leadership while ensuring that regulatory, financial, and administrative obligations are met at all times. This role is varied, detailed, and commercially important. It will suit someone who enjoys responsibility, structure, and ownership.

Key Responsibilities
  • Practice Management & Regulatory Compliance
    • Ensure ongoing compliance with SRA regulatory requirements and CQS standards
    • Maintain, review, and update firm-wide policies, procedures, and compliance documentation
    • Assist and support the MLRO with AML and regulatory matters
    • Oversee file compliance reviews and internal audits
    • Maintain training records, compliance logs, and regulatory registers
    • Send and manage AML ID verification reports for clients
    • Download and distribute mortgage offers from lender panel portals to fee earners
    • Coordinate the renewal and ongoing maintenance of Practising Certificates, Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation, Professional Indemnity Insurance, Lender panel memberships, and third-party service providers
    • Building supplier contracts and service agreements
  • Finance, Accounts & Payroll Oversight
    • Set up and manage all outgoing payments for the firm
    • Carry out weekly bookkeeping and accurate cost allocation
    • Manage supplier invoices, payments, and expense tracking
    • Assist with budgeting, cash-flow monitoring, and internal financial reporting
    • Oversee payroll processing and distribution
    • Liaise with external accountants, payroll providers, and auditors as required
  • IT, Systems & Data Security
    • Act as the primary liaison with IT support providers for system maintenance and updates, troubleshooting and issue resolution
    • Ensure GDPR compliance and data protection standards are upheld
    • Oversee digital and physical file archiving procedures
  • Office Operations & Staff Supervision
    • Manage day-to-day office operations and workflow
    • Supervise and support secretaries, paralegals, and legal assistants
    • Oversee Health & Safety compliance and fire safety procedures
    • Act as Fire Warden and/or First Aid Lead where appropriate
    • Coordinate cleaning, building maintenance, access control, and facilities
    • Maintain a professional, organised, and client-ready office environment at all times
  • Marketing & Online Presence
    • Manage and update the firm’s online presence
    • Collect, monitor, and manage client feedback, testimonials, and reviews
  • Front-of-House & Administrative Support
    • Act as first point of contact for incoming calls and visitors
    • Open, scan, distribute, and file incoming post
    • Manage outgoing mail, couriers, and special deliveries
    • Support fee earners with printing, photocopying, and document binding (where required)
    • Maintain stationery, office supplies, and refreshments
    • Manage meeting rooms and shared office spaces
    • Record incoming cheques and payments; issue receipts where necessary
    • Assist with secure shredding and confidential data disposal
  • Property Accounts Administration
    • Manage and maintain ground rent accounts
    • Record and monitor incoming ground rent payments
    • Issue demands, reminders, and receipts to leaseholders
    • Maintain accurate records of payments and arrears
    • Liaise with solicitors, landlords, tenants, and managing agents as required
Skills & Experience
  • Essential
    • Previous experience in a law firm practice management, operations, or senior office management role
    • Working knowledge of SRA rules, regulatory compliance, and legal accounting processes
    • Experience using LEAP and Xero
    • High level of organisational skill and attention to detail
    • Ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and regulatory matters professionally
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Desirable
    • Experience overseeing finance, payroll, and supplier management
    • Confidence managing IT providers and data-security obligations
    • Commercial awareness and problem-solving mindset
    • Ability to work independently and take ownership of operational responsibilities

Practice Manager employer: Sinclairs Solicitors

Join a prestigious London law firm with a rich history and a commitment to excellence, where your role as Practice & Operations Manager will be pivotal in ensuring operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. We foster a collaborative work culture that values professional growth, offering opportunities for continuous development and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a supportive team environment. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a vibrant city, surrounded by a network of professionals dedicated to upholding the highest standards in client service and legal practice.
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Contact Detail:

Sinclairs Solicitors Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Practice Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Practice Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of SRA regulations and compliance standards. Show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them effectively in a busy law firm environment.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Practice Manager position. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us!

We think you need these skills to ace Practice Manager

Practice Management
Regulatory Compliance
Financial Control
Operational Efficiency
SRA Rules Knowledge
Legal Accounting Processes
LEAP Software
Xero Software
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
IT Management
Data Security Compliance
Problem-Solving Mindset
Autonomy in Operations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your previous roles in practice management or operations, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of SRA rules and legal accounting processes.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Practice & Operations Manager role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage compliance, finance, and office operations effectively.

Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires a high level of organisation, make sure to highlight any relevant experiences where you’ve successfully managed multiple priorities. Use examples that show your attention to detail and ability to maintain a structured environment.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sinclairs Solicitors

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on SRA regulatory requirements and compliance standards. Familiarise yourself with the firm's policies and procedures, as well as any recent changes in legal accounting processes. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also committed to maintaining the high professional standards expected.

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

Prepare examples from your past experience that highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail. Think about times when you successfully managed competing priorities or improved operational efficiency. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your capability to handle the varied responsibilities of the Practice & Operations Manager role.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to compliance, finance, or office management. Prepare by thinking through how you would handle issues like a compliance breach or a financial discrepancy. This will help you showcase your problem-solving mindset and ability to work independently.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s operations, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you insight into whether the firm is the right fit for you. Plus, it helps build rapport with the interviewers!

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