Private Family Law Solicitor

Owens Solicitors Ltd.; Luton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The role requires 4–5 years PQE, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and a collaborative approach with colleagues and counsel. Clio and Microsoft 365 proficiency is advantageous in a busy team environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with a current practising certificate.
• Experience managing privately funded financial remedy and private children cases.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and analytical skills with good judgment.
• Excellent client care, organisation skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage a privately funded caseload covering divorce and dissolution, financial remedies and private children matters from initial instructions to conclusion.
• Advise on financial settlements including property and pensions; obtain specialist input when needed.
• Advise on child arrangements and related applications with safeguarding considerations.
• Prepare correspondence, applications, witness statements, consent orders and other court documents; oversee bundles and deadlines.
• Conduct negotiations and support dispute resolution, including mediation; undertake advocacy within competence and instruct counsel when required.
• Keep clients informed and provide realistic costs, risks and outcomes.

Education

Qualified solicitor England & Wales

Tools

Clio

Microsoft 365

Job description

You will provide sound legal advice, manage cases efficiently and help clients reach workable outcomes. You will have appropriate autonomy, recognise when a matter requires further support and contribute to the continued development of our family law practice.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a privately funded caseload covering divorce and dissolution, financial remedies and private children matters, from initial instructions through to conclusion.
• Advise on financial settlements, including property, pensions and disclosure; identify complex issues and obtain specialist input where needed.
• Advise on child arrangements and related applications, including specific issue and prohibited steps matters, with careful attention to safeguarding and domestic abuse concerns.
• Prepare correspondence, applications, witness statements, consent orders and other court documents; oversee bundles and comply with court directions and deadlines.
• Conduct negotiations and support appropriate dispute resolution, including mediation; undertake advocacy within your competence and instruct counsel and experts where required.
• Keep clients informed, explain their options and provide realistic advice on costs, risks and likely outcomes.

Practice management and team contribution

• Maintain accurate electronic files and attendance notes using Clio; record time promptly and manage billing, work in progress and payments on account.
• Work towards agreed billing and performance objectives while maintaining quality, client care and effective case management.
• Follow the firm’s procedures for conflicts, confidentiality, client identification, financial controls and professional conduct; raise concerns promptly with the Principal Solicitor.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and support trainees and paralegals through appropriate delegation, guidance and review of their work.
• Help develop client relationships and referral contacts, and contribute to proportionate marketing and business development activities.

Essential skills and experience

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with a current practising certificate and approximately 4–5 years’ PQE in family law.
• Experience of independently managing privately funded financial remedy and private children cases, with sound knowledge of relevant law and procedure.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and analytical skills, with the judgement to identify issues requiring supervision or specialist advice.
• A sensitive, clear and professional approach to clients, including those experiencing conflict or vulnerability.
• Good organisation and the ability to manage competing deadlines, maintain accurate records and meet agreed financial objectives.
• Confidence using case management systems and Microsoft 365, and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues.

Membership of Resolution, experience of TOLATA or cohabitation disputes, nuptial agreements or cross-border family matters, and experience supporting junior colleagues would be welcome. Familiarity with Clio would also be helpful.