Job Description

Family Solicitor (Public and Private Children) (5+ years PQE)

Bridgwater

Salary up to 60k DOE

The successful candidate will be based initially at our Bridgwater office, however there is scope for hybrid (home) working.


Elite Touch are excited to be working with their well establishged client who are seeking an experienced Family Law Solicitor to join their dynamic team. The successful candidate will be working with the Head of the Family Department.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES OF THE ROLE:

Report directly to Department Director/Head of Family.


Building and managing a caseload; you will be responsible for all aspects of Child Care and Legal Aid work including client care, provision of expert representation and advice, as well as undertaking your own advocacy.


Assisting in managing and supervising Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors and Paralegals.


Assisting with delivery of appropriate training and development in the department and providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members.


Variety of duties including dealing with a range of primarily legally aided public and private children cases including Care, Placement and Adoption proceedings, child abduction, child protection issues, Special Guardianship, Family Law Act and Children Act matters.


Maintain accurate and complete files and records in line with SRA/SQM and Legal Aid Agency standards and procedures.


Assist with running the legal aid contract as appropriate, bill files, complete legal aid applications and comply with other Legal Aid Agency requirements including Supervision.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED:

Must have a clean, valid Practising Certificate at the time of applying


At least 5 years PQE


Candidates must meet the Legal Aid Agency Supervisor Standard for public law children and have significant experience of acting for clients in public/private children law matters.


Registered with the Law Society and Children Panel Membership is desirable


Strong management skills


Committed team player with ability to approach team concerns fairly, foster culture of positive change and encourage cross referrals


Previous proven supervisory experience and working to key performance indicators


Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with vulnerable clients and resolve complicated practicalities involved in childcare issues


Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business


Working knowledge of the publicly funded Child Care work and have the ability to service privately funded cases


Have extensive experience in dealing with this area of law, and ideally experience in managing cases involving domestic abuse and injunctive applications


Experience in own advocacy is an advantage


Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and case/document management skills

What we offer

Competitive salary


A fantastic supportive team


Excellent progression opportunities


Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition


Generous holiday entitlement


Bonus scheme


Flexible/hybrid working


A positive friendly working environment within a firm that respects the work/life balance and welfare of its employees, and rewards hard work


Pension


On site parking


The Company will support your career progression if you decide to pursue Children, Family or Family Advanced Panel accreditation with the Law Society or Resolution.


Hours: Full-time - 37.5 hours per week; 9.00am-5.30pm Monday-Friday (alternative working arrangements including part-time hours will be considered)