Family Solicitor
Department: Family Law
Reports To: Head of Family Law
Direct Reports: None (unless supervisory responsibilities are assigned)
Location: Midlands – Ilkeston/Eastwood
Hours: Full Time
Benefits included
Please contact Alison Barnes [email protected] & Anneka Howie [email protected] for confidential enquiries
Role Purpose
To manage a caseload of family law matters, delivering expert legal advice and exceptional client service whilst maintaining full compliance with regulatory and professional standards.
The Family Solicitor will support clients through often sensitive and complex situations, providing practical, commercially aware and empathetic legal guidance. The role requires strong technical expertise, excellent client relationship management skills and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes aligned with both client objectives and the firm's values.
Key Accountabilities
Client Case Management
- Manage a varied caseload of family law matters from instruction through to conclusion.
- Provide clear, practical and accurate legal advice tailored to individual client circumstances.
- Progress matters efficiently and proactively.
- Maintain regular communication with clients throughout the lifecycle of a matter.
- Ensure all client expectations are managed appropriately.
- Draft legal documents, court applications, witness statements and correspondence.
Family Law Expertise
Provide legal advice and representation in matters including:
- Divorce and separation.
- Financial remedy proceedings.
- Child arrangement matters.
- Cohabitation disputes.
- Domestic abuse and injunction proceedings.
- Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.
- Civil partnership disputes.
- Consent orders and settlements.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure all files are maintained in accordance with SRA requirements and internal procedures.
- Complete AML, conflict checks and risk assessments as required.
- Maintain accurate attendance notes and file records.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory obligations.
- Support file audits and compliance reviews.
Financial Performance
- Meet agreed billing, fee income and utilisation targets.
- Manage work in progress effectively.
- Ensure prompt billing and file progression.
- Identify opportunities to maximise value whilst maintaining excellent client service.
Business Development
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and referrers.
- Support marketing and networking activities.
- Identify opportunities for cross-selling services.
- Contribute positively to departmental growth.
Team Contribution
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the business.
- Share knowledge and best practice.
- Support junior colleagues where required.
- Contribute to a positive and professional working environment.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
- Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
- Demonstrable experience handling family law matters.
- Strong technical knowledge of family law and court procedures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong negotiation and client management skills.
- Ability to manage a busy and varied caseload.
- High attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Competent user of case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable
- Resolution Membership.
- Advocacy experience.
- Experience supervising junior staff.
- Established professional network and referral relationships.
- Family Law Accreditation.
What Success Looks Like
A successful Family Solicitor will:
- Maintain a compliant and well-managed caseload.
- Consistently deliver excellent client outcomes and service.
- Meet agreed financial and productivity targets.
- Demonstrate strong file management and regulatory compliance.
- Build positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Contribute to departmental growth and reputation.
- Act as a trusted legal adviser and ambassador for the firm.
Behavioural Expectations
Customer Obsession
- Places the client experience at the centre of decision making.
- Delivers responsive, professional and empathetic service.
- Builds trust through clear communication and reliability.
Accountability
- Takes ownership of matters and follows through on commitments.
- Meets deadlines and manages priorities effectively.
- Maintains high professional standards.
Integrity
- Acts honestly, ethically and professionally at all times.
- Demonstrates sound judgement in difficult situations.
- Maintains confidentiality and regulatory compliance.
Collaboration
- Works constructively with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Supports team success over individual recognition.
- Shares knowledge willingly.
Continuous Improvement
- Seeks opportunities to improve service delivery.
- Embraces feedback and professional development.
- Adapts positively to change.
Commercial Awareness
- Understands the commercial objectives of the business.
- Balances client care with commercial sustainability.
- Identifies opportunities to support business growth.
Reality Check
This role involves supporting clients through some of the most challenging periods of their lives. Matters can be emotionally charged, deadlines can be demanding, and priorities can change quickly.
Success requires resilience, empathy, excellent organisation and the ability to remain professional under pressure whilst delivering high-quality legal advice and exceptional client service.
Key Performance Indicators
- Fee income target achieved.
- Billing target achieved.
- Matter progression and file turnaround times.
- Compliance audit results.
- Client satisfaction feedback.
- Conversion of enquiries to instructions.
- Contribution to business development activities.
- Demonstration of company values through monthly 1:1 reviews.
Pay: £45,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
