Family Solicitor

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Exeter; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking an experienced Family Solicitor for a well-regarded Devon-based firm. You will manage a broad privately funded caseload from instruction to closure, offering autonomy and direct client responsibility.

The role requires at least five years PQE in Family Law, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and a track record in handling complex financial remedy matters. You will build trusted client relationships and work with referrers to grow the department.

Qualifications

• Five years’ PQE in Family Law required.
• Experience in privately funded family matters.
• UK legal practice experience is essential.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied privately funded Family Law caseload.
• Advise on divorce, separation and civil partnership matters.
• Handle complex financial remedy proceedings.
• Advise on private children disputes and arrangements.
• Prepare cohabitation and separation agreements.
• Manage matters from instruction to conclusion.
• Draft applications, statements and correspondence.
• Negotiate settlements and support ADR.
• Instruct and work with Counsel and professionals.
• Provide clear, practical, empathetic client advice.
• Maintain compliant and accurate files.
• Manage hearings, deadlines and client expectations.
• Build relationships with local professionals and referrers.
• Participate in networking and business development.
• Mentor junior colleagues where appropriate.

Skills

Caseload management

Drafting

Negotiation

Client advisory

Empathy & client care

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Family Solicitor

Location: Exeter area, Devon
Salary: £50,000 to £70,000, depending on experience
Experience: Ideally 5+ years’ PQE
Job type: Permanent, full-time
Sector: UK Legal Practice

The Opportunity

An established Devon law firm is seeking an experienced Family Solicitor to join its busy and well-regarded Family Law department.

You will manage a varied caseload of privately funded Family Law matters from initial instruction through to conclusion. The role offers substantial autonomy, direct client responsibility and the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of the department.

This position would suit a technically capable and compassionate Family Solicitor who can manage complex matters independently, provide clear and pragmatic advice, and build trusted relationships with clients and professional referrers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied privately funded Family Law caseload
• Advise on divorce, separation and civil partnership matters
• Handle complex financial remedy proceedings
• Advise on private children disputes and arrangements
• Prepare cohabitation and separation agreements
• Manage matters from initial instruction through to conclusion
• Draft applications, statements, agreements and correspondence
• Negotiate settlements and support alternative dispute resolution
• Instruct and work effectively with Counsel and other professionals
• Provide clear, practical and empathetic client advice
• Maintain accurate and compliant files
• Manage hearings, deadlines and client expectations
• Build relationships with local professionals and referrers
• Participate in networking and business-development activity
• Support and mentor junior colleagues where appropriate

About You

You will ideally have:

• Qualification as a Solicitor in England and Wales
• At least five years’ PQE in Family Law
• Recent experience within a UK Legal Practice
• Strong privately funded Family Law experience
• The ability to manage a caseload independently
• Experience handling complex financial remedy matters
• Strong private children experience
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills