Private practice legal jobs in the UK

Our specialist legal consultants have the in-depth expertise and top tier legal connections to meet your private practice preferences and ambitions.

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Our recruitment experience in private practice legal jobs

Whether you’re looking to work in a Silver Circle law firm, a regional commercial practice or US firm, dive into litigation or corporate law, we have the most extensive job listings you’ll find.

With over 25 years of operating in the legal sector, more than 500 legal jobs appointed last year alone and established connections with some of the most highly regarded law firms across the country, we’re the experts in legal recruitment.

We offer legal professionals an unrivalled client base and invaluable market intelligence, providing you the best opportunities in private practice. Many of the firms we work for feature in the Legal 500, offering the opportunity to do interesting work, advising and representing clients from a broad spectrum of sectors.

No matter your expertise or what area of law you wish to specialise in, from asset finance to employment, we’re hiring private practice fee earners for operating across the legal services market.

We’ve also established local relationships with central and regional Law Society chapters and network groups including the Junior Lawyers Division (JLDs). Our sponsorship and engagement with local business networks through the unrivalled reach of Hays provide us, and in turn you, with links to influential professionals in the legal market and beyond.  

Our knowledge and networks within the legal market are here to guide you through your legal career. From newly qualified professionals to senior lawyers and partners with years of post-qualified experience, we have the private practice position for you.

Browse the private practice job roles that we have available today, or discover alternative legal careers outside of private practice.

 

Private practice legal employers we work with

Working with over 400 organisations requiring legal professionals, you can trust us to offer you the greatest choice of legal employers available.

Our employer networks go beyond sheer volume though; we’re partnered with a large number of well-regarded and respected legal firms supporting a huge number of clients.

Some of the top legal firms we hire for include: Herbert Smith Freehills | Clyde & Co | Gorvins | Norton Rose Fulbright | DAC Beachcroft | Blake Morgan | Eversheds Sutherland | Burges Salmon | Gateley | Pannone | and Taylor Wessing.

We’ve been recruiting legal and company secretarial professionals for 25 years

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Our recruitment process

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Private practice legal jobs FAQs

Private practice salaries will depend on the experience of the individual, their location, legal specialism, and the practice they work for.

A newly qualified legal professional working for a regional law firm could typically expect to earn in the region of £40,000-£65,000 a year. If working in London, newly qualified lawyers could expect to earn £50,000-£100,000. 

Legal salaries typically rise incrementally with each year of post qualified experience (PQE). After five years of experience working for a London-based or international law firm, you could command a six-digit salary. After a decade of experience, this could potentially earn in the region of £200,000.

Consult our in-depth Salary Guide for a detailed breakdown of private practice salaries.

 

A rise in skill shortages for experienced legal professionals has meant that many law firms are increasing their recruitment activity. While the legal sector is undoubtedly a competitive one, there are plenty of opportunities for private practice lawyers.

Be sure to browse our latest private practice vacancies.

You can also consult the Legal 500, Chambers UK Legal Guide, or the Law Society website, for further insights into the legal market.

There is increased flexibility amongst employers, with many legal professionals taking up hybrid practices, largely unheard of several years ago. While the implementation of a four-day week is not yet being adopted by law firms, it might be something the sector may need to consider trialling when looking to retain their best professionals and support staff wellbeing.