About the Firm
Berry & Lamberts is a three-office firm of solicitors based in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Paddock Wood. The firm provides private client, commercial property, litigation, family, residential property and company commercial services to individuals and businesses across West Kent, East Sussex and beyond. As the firm continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Family Solicitor to join our expanding family team.
Role Overview
The role will involve handling a broad range of family law matters, with a particular focus on financial remedy cases on divorce, including mid to high-net-worth matters. The successful candidate will also advise on pre-nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes involving jointly owned property, private children matters concerning care arrangements, and divorce proceedings.
Key Responsibilities
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Conduct client interviews at the candidate’s base office, the firm’s other offices, or the client’s premises.
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Assessing legal problems
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Advising clients on the likely cost of the legal advice and assistance that they require and ensuring that adequate funding measures are in place; reviewing costs throughout matter and updating costs estimates given where required.
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Ensure adequate funds are held on account to cover solicitors’ costs and Counsel’s fees, or that other appropriate funding is in place.
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Preparing regular invoices to clients
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Identifying where clients may be entitled to Legal Aid and signposting to Community Legal Advice Team.
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Conduct legal research.
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Devise case strategy.
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Drafting case papers
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Obtaining evidence from witnesses and experts
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Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s case and the opponent’s case.
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Briefing barristers
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Negotiating settlements
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Meet deadlines for submitting court papers and responding to clients and other parties.
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Issuing proceedings in the appropriate venue
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Attending interim hearings and representing clients at such hearings where appropriate
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Maintaining client confidentiality
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Ensure each case is handled in accordance with the departmental manual, the professional rules governing your conduct, the requirements of any third-party funding provider, or as otherwise directed.
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Completing time recording
Compliance
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Ensuring that adequate funds are held on account to cover solicitors’ costs and Counsel’s fees or that other appropriate funding is in place
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To understand and correctly apply the law and practice in relation to Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
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Preparing regular invoices to clients
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Ensuring that the case in handled in accordance with the departmental manual, the professional rules governing your conduct, the requirements of any third-party funding provider or as otherwise directed.
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Completing time recording
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Maintaining files so that they comply with the required ISO 9001 standard, the office manual and the Specialist Quality Mark if appropriate.
Business Development and Role Requirements
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Networking record 50 hours marketing/business development
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Assist with the development and progression of the department and the firm
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Attend internal and external courses
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Record 1200 chargeable hours per annum
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Meet the financial billing target set by the head of department for the role
Person Specification
Essential
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Excellent attention to detail, particularly given the compliance-critical nature of client account work.
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Confident communicator, comfortable with communicating with clients and third parties
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Willingness and ability to work across all office locations as required.
What the Firm Offers
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Competitive Salary
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Hours – Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. and Friday 9 – 5 p.m.
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Potential to work from home (no more than 2 days per week)
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Discretionary Bonus Scheme
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Auto enrolment pension scheme
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25 days holiday a year plus bank holidays, plus additional time off at Christmas
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Birthday off work
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Private healthcare (after probation period)
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Death in Service cover
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Employee Assistance Programme.
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Local shop discount card (currently TN card)
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Social Events
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Charity Events
