Private Practice

Expert recruitment for law firm roles, connecting talent with top private practice opportunities.

PQE Partners specialises in recruiting lawyers into private practice roles, from paralegal

through to partner level, across a selective portfolio of law firms. With deep knowledge of the private practice market, this approach supports specialist, boutique and mid-tier firms with tailored recruitment solutions.


This approach ensures lawyers are matched with opportunities that align with their practice focus, reputation and long-term professional development.

Expert recruitment for law firm roles, connecting talent with top private practice opportunities.

PQE Partners specialises in recruiting lawyers into private practice roles, from paralegal

through to partner level, across a selective portfolio of law firms. With deep knowledge of the private practice market, this approach supports specialist, boutique and mid-tier firms with tailored recruitment solutions.


This approach ensures lawyers are matched with opportunities that align with their practice focus, reputation and long-term professional development.

Your trusted recruiter for private practice roles

Private practice careers are shaped by more than job titles. The right move depends on the environment you operate in, the type of work you are known for and how your expertise is valued within a firm.


PQE Partners works within a carefully selected segment of the private practice market, with much of this work driven through long-standing, referral-led relationships. Firms are chosen with care, allowing for a deep understanding of their culture, practice areas and expectations. Many of these relationships have been built over a number of years, with successful placements across multiple levels.


New firms are engaged following a thorough due diligence process to ensure alignment in values, approach and commitment to engaging a specialist recruiter. This ensures introductions are made with context, credibility and a clear understanding of what success looks like on both sides.

A selective approach to private practice recruitment

Private practice roles are shaped by firm strategy, practice focus and reputation within the market. Long-term progression is influenced not only by experience, but by timing, reputation and how your practice develops within the broader market.


PQE Partners takes a selective approach to private practice recruitment by working with a defined portfolio of law firms rather than the wider market. This allows each role to be assessed in the context of the firm’s direction, team structure and long-term opportunity, rather than immediate vacancy alone.


Ongoing engagement with senior lawyers across the profession provides real insight into how careers develop within private practice, ensuring opportunities are considered with a long-term view.


The focus is on moves that strengthen your standing within private practice over time.

Private Practice Roles We Recruit

Partner
Special Counsel
Senior Associate
Associate
Paralegal

Latest Private Practice Roles

Testimonials

Frequently asked questions – for private practice lawyers

  • What types of private practice roles do you recruit for?

    PQE Partners recruits lawyers into private practice roles across a carefully selected portfolio of law firms. These include specialist, boutique and mid-tier firms, with opportunities spanning a range of practice areas and levels of seniority, from paralegal and junior lawyers through to senior associate and partner roles.

  • Do you work with all law firms or a select group?

    PQE Partners works with a defined group of law firms rather than the broader market. This selective approach allows for deeper insight into how individual firms operate, their practice focus and how roles are likely to develop over time.

  • Do you recruit for junior lawyers as well as senior roles?

    Yes. Roles may range from junior and mid-level associates through to senior associate and partner-track positions, depending on the firm and practice area. Suitability is assessed based on experience, practice focus and longer-term progression.

  • How does private practice recruitment differ from in-house recruitment?

    Private practice recruitment is shaped by firm strategy, client base and practice positioning. Considerations such as billable expectations, practice development and progression within a firm play a larger role than they typically do in in-house roles.

  • Will I be put forward for roles speculatively?

    No. Roles are introduced selectively and purposefully. You will not be submitted for positions that do not align with your practice area, level or professional standing.

  • How much information will I receive about a firm before progressing?

    You will be provided with practical insight into the firm’s structure, practice focus and expectations, allowing you to assess whether the opportunity aligns with your professional goals before moving forward.

  • Do you work with lawyers who are not actively looking to move firms?

    Yes. Many private practice lawyers engage in discussions well before making a move.

    Conversations are welcomed whether you are actively considering a change or simply

    keeping an eye on the market.

  • Will my discussions remain confidential?

    Yes. All conversations are handled discreetly. Your details are not shared with any firm without your consent.

  • How do I start a conversation with PQE Partners about private practice roles?

    You can submit your CV, register for job alerts or get in touch directly to arrange a

    confidential discussion about your practice and future opportunities.

Frequently asked questions – for private practice lawyers

  • What types of private practice roles do you recruit for?

    PQE Partners recruits lawyers into private practice roles across a carefully selected portfolio of law firms. These include specialist, boutique and mid-tier firms, with opportunities spanning a range of practice areas and levels of seniority, from paralegal and junior lawyers through to senior associate and partner roles.

  • Do you work with all law firms or a select group?

    PQE Partners works with a defined group of law firms rather than the broader market. This selective approach allows for deeper insight into how individual firms operate, their practice focus and how roles are likely to develop over time.

  • Do you recruit for junior lawyers as well as senior roles?

    Yes. Roles may range from junior and mid-level associates through to senior associate and partner-track positions, depending on the firm and practice area. Suitability is assessed based on experience, practice focus and longer-term progression.

  • How does private practice recruitment differ from in-house recruitment?

    Private practice recruitment is shaped by firm strategy, client base and practice positioning. Considerations such as billable expectations, practice development and progression within a firm play a larger role than they typically do in in-house roles.

  • Will I be put forward for roles speculatively?

    No. Roles are introduced selectively and purposefully. You will not be submitted for positions that do not align with your practice area, level or professional standing.

  • How much information will I receive about a firm before progressing?

    You will be provided with practical insight into the firm’s structure, practice focus and expectations, allowing you to assess whether the opportunity aligns with your professional goals before moving forward.

  • Do you work with lawyers who are not actively looking to move firms?

    Yes. Many private practice lawyers engage in discussions well before making a move.

    Conversations are welcomed whether you are actively considering a change or simply

    keeping an eye on the market.

  • Will my discussions remain confidential?

    Yes. All conversations are handled discreetly. Your details are not shared with any firm without your consent.

  • How do I start a conversation with PQE Partners about private practice roles?

    You can submit your CV, register for job alerts or get in touch directly to arrange a

    confidential discussion about your practice and future opportunities.