We are looking for a family fee earner to manage a varied caseload of privately funded family law matters, providing high-quality legal advice and representation to clients. You will be responsible for progressing matters efficiently, maintaining high standards of client care, achieving billing targets, and supporting the continued growth and reputation of the Family Department.
Key Responsibilities
Case Management
- Manage a caseload of privately funded family law matters from instruction through to conclusion.
- Provide clear, practical, and commercially focused legal advice to clients.
- Conduct legal research and prepare legal documents, correspondence, applications, witness statements, and court bundles.
- Instruct and liaise with counsel, experts, and other professionals as required.
- Attend client meetings, negotiations, hearings, mediations, and conferences where appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with court timetables, procedural requirements, and regulatory obligations.
Areas of Work
Varied case load to include:
- Divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships.
- Financial remedy proceedings.
- Cohabitation disputes.
- Private law children matters, including child arrangements and specific issue applications.
- Domestic abuse and injunction proceedings.
- Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.
- Separation agreements.
- Cohabitation agreements.
- Enforcement and variation applications.
Client Care
- Deliver an exceptional standard of client service at all times.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships.
- Keep clients informed regarding the progress of their matter and likely costs.
- Handle enquiries promptly and professionally.
- Manage client expectations effectively and sensitively, recognising the sensitive and emotional nature of family law matters.
Financial Management
- Meet agreed billing, chargeable hours, and fee income targets.
- Accurately record time and maintain file records.
- Prepare and issue bills in accordance with firm procedures.
- Ensure effective management of work in progress and debt recovery.
- Maintain profitability within the caseload.
Business Development
- Contribute to the growth of the Family Department.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with referrers and local contacts.
- Participate in networking events, marketing initiatives, and business development activities.
- Support the firm's online presence through articles, updates, and social media content where appropriate.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Maintain files in accordance with firm policies and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure compliance with SRA regulations, anti-money laundering obligations, and GDPR requirements.
- Identify and manage risk issues promptly.
- Participate in file reviews and audits as required.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified Solicitor, Chartered Legal Executive, or experienced Family Law Fee Earner.
- Demonstrable experience managing a private family law caseload.
- Sound knowledge of family law legislation, procedure, and practice.
- Experience of handling divorce, finance, and private children matters.
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
- Experience using case management systems.
Essential Skills and Attributes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational and time management abilities.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Commercial awareness and a client-focused approach.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- High level of professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
- Strong attention to detail.
Company Values
The postholder will:
- Act with integrity and professionalism.
- Demonstrate a commitment to excellent client service.
- Promote teamwork and collaboration.
- Support equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Contribute positively to the firm's reputation and success.
Benefits:
- Company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
