Bertram Law is a niche Commercial Practice located in Exeter, providing a friendly, personal hands-on approach with clients. The firm specialises in Commercial Litigation, Commercial Property, and Corporate Commercial areas, offering support for a wide range of commercial business needs.
Job Title: Operations Lead
Hours: Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm
Salary: Competitive
Job type: Full time
We are a small, specialist commercial law firm seeking an Operations Lead to oversee the day-to-day operational management of a specialist commercial law firm. This role is responsible for ensuring the firm runs efficiently across finance, compliance, technology, HR and administration.
As a senior non-fee-earning role within a small firm, the Operations Lead will work closely with the Managing Partners to improve systems, implement best practices and support the firm’s growth.
Bertram Law takes pride in offering the very highest levels of service, so it’s vital that the person in this role shares and lives the same values that we do, in being the very best in class.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
•Oversee daily business operations and ensure efficient office functioning.
•Implement and maintain operational processes and procedures.
•Manage relationships with key external suppliers and service providers.
Finance & Administration
•Oversee billing processes, financial reporting and budgeting support.
•Work with external accountants on bookkeeping, payroll and accounts.
•Monitor firm expenses and operational budgets.
Compliance & Risk
•Support regulatory compliance requirements (e.g. SRA compliance).
•Maintain internal policies, procedures and documentation.
•Coordinate client onboarding, AML checks and risk management processes.
Technology & Systems
•Manage legal practice management systems and office technology.
•Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology.
•Coordinate with IT providers to ensure systems are secure and reliable.
HR & People Operations
•Support recruitment, onboarding and staff administration.
•Maintain HR records and policies.
•Help foster a positive and efficient working culture.
Strategic Support
•Work with partners to improve business processes and operational strategy.
•Support planning for growth, hiring and operational scaling.
Key Skills & Experience
•Experience in operations, practice management or business management, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
•Strong understanding of law firm operations, billing and compliance frameworks.
•Experience managing budgets, suppliers and operational systems.
•Excellent organisational and project management skills.
•Ability to implement systems and improve processes.
What we are looking for:
•Highly reliable and detail-oriented.
•Commercially minded and pragmatic.
•Proactive and solutions-focused.
•Someone who is good at multi-tasking and can keep calm in busy moments.
•Professional and personable.
•A flexible approach to work.
•Comfortable working autonomously in a small firm environment.
•Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV, along with a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for applying, to harriet.stevens@bertramlaw.co.uk.