Family Lawyer

DASLS for Walker Family Law; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading family law practice in the South-West seeks ambitious family lawyers and support team members. Opportunities include Child Law and Divorce Specialist roles, with competitive salaries and a commitment to training and career progression. Join a dynamic team focused on improving services and legal practices.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Excellent holidays

Career progression opportunities

Blended working

A learning culture

Qualifications

• 3+ PQE required for Child Law and Divorce Specialist roles.
• Experience in out-of-court resolution methods preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop the Bristol team and handle family law cases.
• Support team members in family law matters.

Skills

Family Law

Mediation

Collaborative Law

Education

Law Society Accreditation

Resolution Accreditation

Job description

Walker Family Law (formerly Ian Walker Family Law and Mediation Solicitors) is a Legal 500 and Chambers Directory ranked, progressive, niche family law practice based in the South-West. Our team comprises over 20 family lawyers. Recent team awards include Resolution Regional Champion 2023 and Law Society Recognising Excellence 2021.

Our founder, Ian Walker, is a director and an elected member of the National Committee of Resolution. Our team includes members of Resolution’s national committees on Children, Standards, Cohabitation, and Dispute Resolution. We were among the first to train in and offer Resolution Together. We are committed to practicing in accordance with the Resolution Code and actively participate in the wider family law community locally and nationally.

We have exciting opportunities for ambitious family lawyers and support team members with relevant experience and a commercial mindset to help us develop further.

The Opportunities

1. Child Law Specialist Solicitor (3+ PQE) at our Somerset office in Taunton. Ideally, you are already a member of the Law Society Children Panel. Salary is competitive and depends on experience.

2. Children Panel Members – we welcome solicitors on the children panel seeking a new challenge. Panel members can be based in Exeter, Taunton, Bristol. Salaries are competitive.

3. Divorce Specialist Solicitors (3+ PQE) at our Exeter and Somerset (Taunton) offices. Ideally, you have Resolution or Law Society accreditation and training in out-of-court resolution methods (Mediation, Collaborative Law, Resolution Together). Aspiring to accreditation is also welcomed. Salary is competitive and based on experience.

4. Divorce Specialist Solicitor (7+ PQE) to help develop our Bristol team. You should be established in Bristol, have a following, and accreditation in Resolution or Law Society. Training in out-of-court resolution is preferred. Salary is competitive based on experience.

5. Pre-existing Family Law Teams – we invite contact from established teams seeking a new home in the South-West.

6. Support Team Members – we seek Paralegals, Legal Secretaries, and Legal Assistants with family law experience. We offer good packages and flexible working depending on location and experience.

Why Choose Us

We are a progressive, dynamic family law practice ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers. We focus on improving our services and legal teams. Recently, we welcomed skilled children lawyers Emma Wildblood and Daniela Nickols and implemented a business reorganization aligned with best practices. We aim to enhance career pathways, including apprenticeship schemes, and adopt new ways of working to meet client needs.

We Offer

• Competitive salaries
• Excellent holidays
• Career progression opportunities
• Blended working
• A learning culture

We support our lawyers to excel as family lawyers and encourage Resolution membership and wider community engagement. We promote accreditation and out-of-court resolution qualifications, including pathways to Family Mediation Council accreditation. Our commitment to training exceeds industry standards, with resources dedicated to team development. We also offer legal aid services.

Our recent internal reorganization fosters a less hierarchical structure, enabling new ways of working, leadership opportunities, and growth into new geographic and specialist areas.

To apply confidently, email [e-mail]. We welcome initial chats—call or text Ian at 07500806664.

Direct applications are preferred.

Devon & Somerset Law Society encourages direct applications to avoid agency fees, which can be as high as 25% of your starting salary and may affect your offer.