Senior Associate - Family

JMW SOLICITORS LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

JMW SOLICITORS LLP in Manchester is seeking a Senior Associate in Family law to support the Head of Department and a Salaried Partner in delivering results across divorce, financial remedy and complex child arrangement matters.

The role involves supervising junior solicitors, paralegals and trainees, maintaining client relationships, and ensuring high standards, with a focus on business development and compliance with SRA rules.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ PQE in family law
• Experience with complex asset structures
• Strong client relationship and business development skills

Responsibilities

• Apply strong understanding of Family law to deliver a high-quality service.
• Manage a caseload with accurate records and timely progression.
• Keep up to date with legal developments and CPD requirements.
• Supervise and mentor junior solicitors, paralegals and trainees.
• Collaborate within the department to maintain professional standards.
• Build strong client relationships and contribute to marketing and networking.
• Ensure compliance with SRA requirements and firm policies.

Skills

Family law

Asset structures

Analytical skills

IT skills

Networking & business development

Supervisory / mentoring

Team working

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Senior Associate - Family

Department: Family

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Manchester

Reporting To: Elspeth Kinder

Description

Join one of the country’s largest and most respected family law teams as a Senior Associate, directly supporting the Head of Department and a Salaried Partner in delivering excellent results for clients across divorce, financial remedy and complex child arrangement proceedings, as well as pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Your role will also involve some supervision of junior solicitors, paralegals and trainee solicitors.

Our priority is our clients and our team’s depth of knowledge and breadth of experience means we are able to assist clients with a wide range of family law issues, offering expertise and essential support.

Our family law solicitors are known for achieving excellent results for our clients. We are recognised by leading legal directories, including The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners and Spears 500, which commend our expertise in dealing with high net worth divorces, cross-border disputes and complex cases involving business assets, pensions and property. We work hard to hold onto this reputation by really looking after each one and ensuring they have all the necessary resources at their disposal.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply a strong understanding of Family law and procedures to deliver an effective, timely and efficient service that maintains high levels of client satisfaction.
• Manage an agreed caseload of client matters profitably and efficiently, including opening, maintaining, closing and archiving files; keeping accurate physical and electronic records in the firm’s case management system; progressing matters to a high standard; and seeking input from the Head of Department, supervisor, specialists, agents or legal counsel where appropriate.
• Maintain technical expertise by keeping up to date with legal developments and legislative changes, while meeting CPD and compliance requirements.
• Supervise, train and motivate junior solicitors, paralegals, trainee solicitors and other junior staff where appropriate, recognising your accountability under the SRA Code of Conduct for work you undertake and legal work you delegate.
• Work collaboratively with others, contribute to a positive, professional and inclusive working environment aligned to JMW’s values, and assist the Department Head with the organisation of the Family Department and maintenance of professional standards when requested.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, using effective business development, marketing, networking and communication skills.
• Take responsibility for financial performance, including chargeable recoverable hours, billing, cash collection, work in progress, disbursements, timely invoicing, financial management and prompt, accurate time recording.
• Comply with SRA requirements and expectations, including the SRA Accounts Rules, JMW’s internal policies and guidelines, and recognise and resolve potential risks to minimise risk to clients and/or the firm.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

This is an ideal role for an ambitious Senior Associate from a leading practice, ideally with at least 5+ years’ PQE (strong candidates outside this range will also be considered). You will also bring:

• Knowledge of Family law, principles and practices, with the ability to prepare, plan and effectively run Family cases.
• Experience of complex asset structures, including but not limited to private limited companies, trusts, defined benefit pensions and SIPPs/SSASs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to arrive at the best legal solutions for cases.
• Excellent IT skills, particularly using Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Experience of business development and marketing, with excellent networking and communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Management and supervisory skills, with the ability to train and motivate others effectively.
• A strong team-working ethic, with the ability to work well under pressure and take a proactive approach.
• Good financial performance.
• Ambition and a desire to progress.