Family Law Team Leader

LJ Recruitment Limited; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Unknown firm is seeking a Family Law Team Leader to oversee a Cirencester or Tunbridge Wells operation with hybrid working. The role combines high‑quality family law work with branch management and team development.

The successful candidate will lead, mentor and supervise junior staff, manage key client matters with empathy, and drive business development while ensuring regulatory and financial excellence. Excellent senior solicitor with leadership flair is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE in Family Law.
• Proven leadership and team development ability.
• Experience in managing a branch or department.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex Family Law caseload from instruction to conclusion.
• Lead and develop the office team, monitor workloads and standards.
• Drive business development and attract new clients to the firm.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and firm policies.

Skills

Leadership

Branch management

Business development

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Family Law Team Leader

Salary: £70,000 + bonus scheme

Location: Cirencester or Tunbridge Wells + hybrid working

A well-established, Legal 500 law firm is seeking an experienced Family Law Team Leader to join its highly regarded team. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Family Solicitor with strong leadership skills to take on a key role combining high-quality legal work with branch management and team development.

The firm is known for providing expert family law advice with care, empathy and professionalism. You will act as a trusted adviser to clients navigating sensitive and often life-changing circumstances, while taking responsibility for the smooth operation, performance and compliance of the branch. The successful candidate will combine outstanding technical expertise with commercial awareness, leadership capability and an unwavering commitment to client care and regulatory excellence.

The Role

You will manage your own varied and complex Family Law caseload from instruction through to conclusion. This will include meeting clients in person, by telephone and via video conference; providing clear, compassionate and practical legal advice; drafting correspondence and legal documentation; attending hearings and conferences; instructing Counsel; and progressing matters efficiently and to a consistently high standard.

You will be expected to demonstrate the responsibilities and competencies of an experienced qualified Solicitor, providing a high standard of skill, care and professionalism across all aspects of your work. You will maintain accurate time recording and billing, ensure clients are kept informed about costs, monitor funds held on account and work proactively with clients and the Accounts Team to manage outstanding debt and third-party funding where appropriate.

Business development will also form an important part of the role. You will contribute to attracting new clients, strengthening relationships with existing clients and promoting the firm's services and reputation within the local market.

Leadership & Branch Management

Alongside your fee-earning responsibilities, you will take a leading role in the day-to-day management and performance of the branch. You will lead, motivate and develop the office team, creating a supportive, collaborative and high-performing working environment.

Key responsibilities will include supervising and mentoring junior fee earners and administrative staff, monitoring workloads and standards of work, supporting staff development and ensuring matters are progressed accurately and efficiently.

You will work closely with the wider Management Team to develop and implement branch objectives in line with the firm's strategic goals and growth plans. You will monitor financial performance, including billing, productivity and debt management, identifying and addressing issues where necessary to support the continued success and profitability of the office.

You will also chair regular team meetings, contribute to wider firm initiatives and continuous improvement projects, and support the recruitment, onboarding and development of new team members. Ensuring the branch operates in a professional, organised, safe and compliant manner will be a key part of your responsibilities.

Professional Standards & Compliance

The successful candidate will maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and act in accordance with SRA requirements at all times. You will ensure strict confidentiality in relation to clients, colleagues and the firm, while keeping your legal knowledge and professional development up to date.

You will work collaboratively with the firm's COLP, COFA, MLRO and MLCO on matters including file reviews, compliance monitoring, complaints handling and training initiatives. You will also promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the branch and wider firm and ensure all duties are carried out in accordance with internal policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.

About You

The firm is looking for a qualified Solicitor with substantial post-qualification experience in Family Law, typically 5+ years PQE. You will have a strong track record of independently managing a demanding caseload and delivering excellent client service in sensitive and complex matters.

Previous leadership, supervisory or management experience is highly desirable, particularly within a branch or departmental setting. You will be passionate about developing others and have the ability to motivate and bring the best out of a team.

You will also bring strong commercial awareness, with the ability to understand and manage financial performance, billing, productivity and profitability. Experience of business development, working with marketing teams and generating new instructions through local initiatives would be advantageous.

Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills are essential, together with a calm, professional and empathetic approach. You will be proactive, collaborative and committed to maintaining the firm's high standards, values and culture.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious senior Family Solicitor looking to take the next step into a significant leadership position within a respected and growing Legal 500 firm.