Family Solicitor - ICACU

2025; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent law firm in London is seeking an experienced Family Solicitor with over 8 years of PQE to join its specialist Family & Children practice. You will handle sensitive international child abduction cases and advise on modern family issues like surrogacy and adoption. The role offers hybrid working and mentorship opportunities, fostering a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of PQE in family law required.
• Experience in cross-border child abduction essential.
• Must be familiar with Legal Aid processes.

Responsibilities

• Run complex caseload of cross-border abduction matters.
• Advise on modern family issues including surrogacy.
• Support, mentor, and supervise junior team members.

Skills

Qualified solicitor with 8+ PQE

Significant experience in international child abduction

Familiarity with Legal Aid processes

Resolution Specialist Accreditation

Education

ICACU membership

Children Panel Accreditation (advantageous)

Job description

Overview

Family Solicitor (Abduction) – Senior Hire Central London - 8+ PQE

The Opportunity A leading London law firm is looking for an experienced Family Solicitor (8+ PQE) to join its highly regarded Family & Children practice. This role focuses on international child abduction, cross-border relocation, and modern family work, including surrogacy, adoption, assisted conception, and complex parenting arrangements.

You’ll handle urgent, high-profile, and sensitive cases—often cross-jurisdictional—while helping to grow and develop a specialist practice area, supported by an established team of associates, juniors, and paralegals.

Responsibilities

• Running a complex caseload of cross-border child abduction and relocation matters.
• Advising on modern family issues, including surrogacy, adoption, assisted conception, and LGBTQ+ family structures.
• Shaping legal strategy on urgent and international disputes.
• Supporting, mentoring, and supervising junior team members.
• Contributing to the wider growth and development of the Family practice.

About You

• Qualified solicitor with 8+ PQE in family law.
• Significant experience in international child abduction/contact and modern family work.
• ICACU membership (essential).
• Strong track record in abduction law, international/domestic relocation (essential).
• Familiarity with Legal Aid processes (essential).
• Resolution Specialist Accreditation in Abduction OR Law Society Advanced Accreditation in Child Abduction/Wardship (essential).
• Children Panel Accreditation (advantageous) or a willingness to pursue.
• International adoption/modern family expertise (advantage).

The Team

You’ll be part of a collaborative group that includes partners specialising in divorce/finance, associates in children and care law, assistants, trainees, and paralegals—backed by strong administrative support. Direct partner access and scope to influence the direction of the practice are key features of this role.

Working Model

Hybrid and flexible working offered. The culture is built on high trust, high standards, and genuine teamwork.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The firm is an equal opportunities employer and actively welcomes applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic groups, disabled applicants, and those from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Start Date: As soon as possible