Senior Solicitor - #2165936

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and driven Senior Family Solicitor to join our established and growing Family Law department. Reporting directly to the Head of Department, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering expert legal services across a broad range of Family and Children Law matters, including both private and public law cases.

This is a senior position requiring a high level of technical expertise, leadership capability, and commercial awareness. You will take ownership of a complex caseload, contribute significantly to fee generation, and support the strategic growth of the department.

The role also involves supervising and mentoring junior colleagues, contributing to compliance and quality standards, and actively supporting business development initiatives. You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, professionalism, and accountability, while maintaining excellent communication with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious solicitor seeking a senior role within a supportive and forward-thinking firm, with genuine opportunities for progression and enhanced earnings through performance.

Person Specification & Requirements

• Extensive experience managing a broad caseload of Family and Children Law matters, including both private and public law cases
• Strong experience in complex matters, including domestic abuse, child protection, and court proceedings
• Proven ability to manage a demanding caseload independently, with minimal supervision
• Confident and experienced advocate (or strong willingness to undertake advocacy where required)
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience of Legal Aid, including CCMS processes and billing
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience supervising or mentoring junior staff
• Strong commercial awareness, including achieving and exceeding fee targets
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Personable, confident, and highly articulate communicator
• Strong client care skills, with the ability to handle sensitive matters with professionalism and empathy
• Proactive, strategic, and solutions-focused approach to work
• Ability to generate work and maintain a strong referral network
• Panel membership (e.g., Law Society Children Panel) or working towards accreditation is highly desirable

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing and handling complex and high-value matters, providing strategic legal advice
• Preparation, submission, and management of CCMS applications, amendments, billing, and Payments on Account (POAs)
• Conducting client meetings and providing high-quality, practical, and commercially sound legal advice
• Representing clients at court hearings, conferences, and advocacy where appropriate
• Attending external appointments, including courts, prisons, and other locations as required
• Drafting complex legal documents, court applications, and detailed correspondence
• Negotiating effectively with clients, counsel, experts, and third parties to achieve optimal outcomes
• Conducting in-depth legal research and ensuring advice reflects current legislation and case law
• Supervising, mentoring, and supporting trainee solicitors, paralegals, and support staff
• Reviewing work completed by junior team members to ensure quality and compliance
• Managing and maintaining case files through internal systems and external portals
• Ensuring all Legal Aid work complies with contractual and regulatory frameworks
• Building, maintaining, and expanding a strong client base and professional network
• Actively contributing to business development, including networking, marketing initiatives, and identifying opportunities for growth
• Supporting the Head of Department with departmental strategy, performance, and development
• Ensuring compliance with internal policies, Lexcel standards, and regulatory requirements
• Maintaining strict confidentiality and compliance with GDPR
• Keeping fully up to date with changes in Family Law, Legal Aid, and court procedures
• Undertaking ongoing professional development and required training
• Assisting with recruitment, onboarding, and development of junior team members where appropriate
• Undertaking any additional duties as required by the Directors to support the wider business

Benefits and Remuneration

• Competitive salary
• 25 Days Holiday plus public bank holidays (increasing up to 30 with length of service)
• Additional Birthday Holiday*
• Optional 1 day per week home working*
• Free parking
• Staff social and team-building events
• Auto-enrolment workplace pension*
• Professional development and training opportunities, including webinars
• Paid study leave*
• Practicing certificate renewed annually*
• Breakfast clubs
• Free eye tests*
• Employee recognition scheme
• Performance-based bonus scheme*
• Friendly, supportive, team environment
• Interesting and meaningful work
• A wealth of experienced solicitors to help guide your career

* Terms and Conditions apply