Public Family Solicitor

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Luton; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional law firm in Luton is seeking an experienced Family Solicitor to join their highly regarded Public Family Team. This role offers a chance to manage meaningful public law children cases while contributing to a supportive and collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will have at least 4 years of PQE in Family Law and relevant experience. The firm provides excellent career progression opportunities, supportive mentorship, and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave

Auto-enrolment salary sacrifice pension scheme

Enhanced sick pay scheme

Health cash plan

Qualifications

• Experience in public law children proceedings (care orders, placement orders).
• Proven track record of managing Legal Aid cases.

Responsibilities

• Managing your own caseload of public law children matters.
• Preparing and managing Legal Aid funding applications.
• Conducting advocacy at court hearings.

Skills

Strong written and oral communication skills

Excellent file and time management

IT literate

Knowledge of Lexcel quality standards

Self-motivated

Collaborative team player

Education

Qualified Solicitor with current practising certificate

4 years PQE in Family Law

Tools

MS Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Public Family Solicitor Children

Salary : Location : Luton

Are you a passionate Family Solicitor ready to make a real difference in childrens lives Our client a leading regional law firm is seeking an experienced Public Law Children Solicitor to join their Legal 500 Tier 1 recognised Public Family Team in Luton. This is your opportunity to work on meaningful cases whilst developing your career in a supportive collaborative environment.

About the Opportunity

Join a thriving Public Family Team that combines high-quality legal work with genuine work-life balance. Youll handle complex public law children cases work with Local Authorities and have the autonomy to manage your own caseload whilst being supported by experienced Partners and a friendly inclusive team.

This role offers genuine career progression with support towards achieving Law Society Children Panel accreditation and opportunities to develop your advocacy skills in a fast-paced rewarding practice area.

The Role What Youll Be Doing

Case Management & Client Care

• Managing your own caseload of public law children matters from inception to conclusion
• Representing parents family members and children in care proceedings
• Preparing and managing Legal Aid funding applications to the Legal Aid Agency
• Conducting advocacy at court hearings (where appropriate)
• Building and maintaining relationships with Local Authority contacts

Professional Development

• Working towards or maintaining Law Society Children Panel membership
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members
• Participating in CPD and professional development opportunities
• Contributing to business development and networking initiatives

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Handling new enquiries and client consultations
• Providing expert legal advice in writing by phone and in meetings
• Maintaining accurate case records and compliance with Lexcel standards
• Managing client expectations and risk effectively
• Attending court and client meetings across the region

About You Essential Requirements

Experience & Qualifications

• 4 years PQE in Family Law ideally within the Care sector
• Qualified Solicitor with current practising certificate
• Experience in public law children proceedings (care orders placement orders etc.)
• Either on the Law Society Children Panel or ready to apply
• Proven track record of managing Legal Aid cases and funding applications
• Valid UK driving licence (required for court and client visits)

Skills & Attributes

• Strong written and oral communication skills with clients courts and Local Authorities
• Excellent file and time management abilities
• IT literate (case management systems MS Word Outlook Excel)
• Knowledge of Lexcel quality standards and compliance requirements
• Self-motivated with ability to work to targets and meet tight deadlines
• Collaborative team player who can also work autonomously
• Personal pride in delivering high-quality legal work

Whats On Offer Comprehensive Benefits Package

Financial & Leave

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Auto-enrolment salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Staff introduction bonus scheme
• Death in service insurance

Professional Development

• Regular feedback and development opportunities
• Full support for CPD and professional qualifications
• Support towards Law Society Children Panel accreditation
• Regular contact with Partners for mentoring and guidance

Health & Wellbeing

• Enhanced sick pay scheme
• Free annual eye tests
• Paid flu vaccinations
• Health cash plan
• Cycle to work scheme

Work Environment

• Excellent modern office facilities in central Luton
• Collaborative inclusive culture with diverse team of 120 staff
• Discounted legal advice across all departments
• Opportunities to participate in company-sponsored charitable events
• Genuine work-life balance commitment

Working Arrangements

Location: Luton office (with travel to courts and client meetings as required)

Hours: Full-time 09 : 0017 : 30 Monday to Friday

Reporting to: Partner Public Family Department

Why Join This Team

Our client is a well-established regional law firm with a reputation for excellence in Family Law. Their Public Family Team has achieved Legal 500 recognition demonstrating their commitment to quality and client care. Youll be joining a firm that values diversity invests in employee development and genuinely supports work-life balance.

This is more than just a job its an opportunity to build a rewarding career in a practice area that makes a real difference to vulnerable children and families.

Ready to Apply

If youre a dedicated Family Solicitor looking for your next challenge in a supportive high-performing team wed love to hear from you.

To apply or discuss this opportunity in confidence please contact :

Mara Watson

Recruitment Consultant Legal

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Key Skills

Legal Drafting,Litigation,Algebra,Legal Counsel,Mediation Experience,Tribal Law,Legal Research,Telemarketing,Training & Development,Geometry,Child Protective Services,negotiation

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1