Values and vision

Private client work is often seen as the poor relation in the legal world – overshadowed by the perceived glamour of corporate deals and commercial growth. But times are changing. With a shifting demographic, a historic intergenerational transfer of wealth on the horizon, and a renewed public focus on individual care and legacy, private client law is finally reclaiming the prestige and respect it deserves. It is worth mentioning here that a big driver is Gen Z and their desire to do the right thing for the right reason.

Focus on private clients

At Rothley Law we’re exclusively focused on private clients, unlike traditional law firms that treat private client work as an adjunct to their commercial practice. This commitment ensures that our lawyers and paralegals develop deep expertise and can truly make an impact in their field. Our mission is to develop long-lasting relationships with our clients so we look after them through their lifetime.

In the current economic climate recruitment for private client work can be challenging – but here’s how we do it at Rothley Law.

A calling, not just a career

As the only national law firm dedicated solely to private client matters, Rothley Law specialises exclusively in Court of Protection, private wealth and disputed wills and trusts. We are a small and agile boutique firm, determined to make a difference in a world where private client work is a calling, not just a career. 

People come to our practice because they want to do the right thing – and they stay because they know they’re part of something bigger. Our firm is built for professionals who feel called to stand beside individuals in their moment of need; for lawyers whose impact isn’t always measured in billable hours, but in the relief on a client’s face when they realise someone is truly on their side.

Clear career path

We believe in investing in talent, nurturing careers and providing a unique platform for ambitious legal professionals to grow and succeed. Our approach to recruitment and career development is designed to attract individuals who share our values and vision. 

Our values

Our values aren’t just words; they’re in our DNA. They define how we operate every day, and show up in how we work with clients, how we collaborate with each other, and how we make decisions as a business:

• Groundbreaking: We challenge norms, embrace change and refuse to settle.
• Authentic: We speak plainly, act with integrity and always show up as ourselves.
• Tenacious: We fight for our clients with grit and resolve.
• United: We have each other’s backs – always.

As well as fostering a culture where teamwork and support are paramount, we also encourage open communication, knowledge sharing and a strong sense of camaraderie among colleagues. 

By joining our firm, legal professionals become part of a pioneering practice that’s setting new benchmarks in private client law. We provide opportunities for lawyers to shape the future of the firm while developing their own niche within an evolving legal landscape.

Our associates have a clear line of sight to the next step in their career. With our legal career framework, talent mapping exercises and monthly one-to-ones, each employee can control the pace of their development, understanding exactly what skills, knowledge and behaviours are expected at each level. Our promotion policy is based on an ‘as and when required’ principle, not an annual event; if there’s a need and we have the right person working towards the appropriate grade, they can apply for the position.

Paralegal career framework

We like to ‘home grow’ our talent and want our employees to be fulfilled and stay with us for a long time. We understand that talent comes in many forms, and career aspirations vary. Some professionals wish to qualify as solicitors, while others prefer a long-term career as a skilled paralegal. To support both paths, our paralegal career framework recognises experience and skills while providing clear progression opportunities:

Structured career development pathways for both career paralegals and those pursuing qualification as solicitors.

Financial support for legal studies, ensuring that aspiring solicitors have the resources to complete their qualifications without an undue financial burden.

Mentorship from senior management, providing invaluable guidance to individuals at all stages of their careers.

Regular skills assessments to ensure professional development is aligned with business needs and personal goals.

This approach ensures that every team member has the opportunity to progress in a way that suits their aspirations, strengths and experience.

Flexibility and work-life balance

The legal profession is often associated with long hours and high-pressure environments. While we are dedicated to excellence, we also recognise the importance of work-life balance. Our firm offers:

• True hybrid working. Going against the drive to get people back in the office, our employees are trusted to attend when they need to, for team meetings, training and general gettogethers. Geography doesn’t stand in the way of our recruitment: if you’re the right person for us, you’re the right person.
• Supportive policies that enable employees to manage personal and professional commitments effectively.
• A results-driven approach that values efficiency and quality over mere presenteeism.

This balanced approach makes us an attractive option for legal professionals seeking both career success and personal fulfilment.

Innovative recruitment strategies 

To attract top talent, we employ innovative recruitment strategies:

• Referral programs: Our employees play a key role in talent acquisition by recommending like-minded professionals who share our values.
• Social media and thought leadership: We leverage digital platforms to showcase our expertise, culture and opportunities, making us a desirable destination for legal professionals looking for a firm with a fresh and modern approach.
• Early career engagement: In the future we’ll proactively engage with universities and law schools, offering internships and work placements to identify promising candidates early. 
• Agency: We have a close relationship with two agencies that understand us completely and work as our strategic business partners.

Opportunity to make an impact

Joining Rothley Law isn’t just about taking a job; it’s about being part of something groundbreaking. As a young firm, we offer a rare opportunity for legal professionals to contribute directly to the firm’s growth and success. Our team members are encouraged to bring new ideas, shape processes and influence the direction of the business.

This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and motivation that’s hard to find in larger, more traditional law firms. Every hire is a crucial part of our journey, and we ensure that each person’s contributions are valued and recognised.

All our employees are encouraged to write articles for legal publications to broaden their knowledge and raise both their own personal profile and that of the firm, as well as attending business development opportunities and increasing their network of contacts, not only for business but to knowledge share.

Throw in a couple of landmark case wins, a nice little clutch of prestigious awards, the arrival of some big hitting partners and some charitable work, it’s clear that our chemistry and determination makes private client law with us an exciting career choice.

Conclusion

Attracting top talent is about more than just offering competitive salaries; it requires a compelling vision, a supportive culture and genuine opportunities for career growth. At Rothley Law, we provide all these elements and more.

We’re building a law firm where talent is nurtured, careers are shaped, and individuals can truly make a difference.