Senior Solicitor

Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 Days Holiday

Birthday Holiday

Home working option (1 day)

Free parking

Staff events

Pension (auto-enrolment)

Training opportunities

Paid study leave

Practising certificate renewal

Breakfast clubs

Eye tests

Performance bonus

Job summary

Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors in Birkenhead is seeking a highly experienced Senior Family Solicitor to lead the Family Law department, handling a broad caseload across private and public matters with autonomy and professionalism.

The role includes supervising junior staff, contributing to compliance and growth, and maintaining excellent client relationships, with strong opportunities for progression and enhanced earnings based on performance and compliance with Lexcel standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing a broad caseload of Family and Children Law matters, including private and public law.
• Strong experience in complex matters, including domestic abuse, child protection, and court proceedings.
• Proven ability to manage a demanding caseload independently, with minimal supervision.
• Confident and experienced advocate (or willingness to undertake advocacy).
• In-depth knowledge of Legal Aid processes and billing (CCMS).
• Demonstrated leadership skills, supervising or mentoring junior staff.
• Strong commercial awareness including achieving and exceeding fee targets.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong client care skills with professionalism and empathy.
• Proactive, strategic and solutions-focused approach.
• Ability to generate work and maintain a strong referral network.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing and handling complex and high-value matters, providing strategic legal advice.
• Preparation, submission and management of CCMS applications, amendments, billing and POAs.
• Conducting client meetings and providing high-quality, practical legal advice.
• Representing clients at court hearings, conferences and advocacy where appropriate.
• Attending external appointments including courts and prisons as required.
• Drafting complex legal documents and detailed correspondence.
• Negotiating with clients, counsel, experts and third parties for optimal outcomes.
• Conducting in-depth legal research reflecting current legislation and case law.
• Supervising and mentoring trainee solicitors, paralegals and staff.
• Reviewing junior team work for quality and compliance.
• Managing case files through internal systems and external portals.
• Ensuring all Legal Aid work complies with contracts and regulations.
• Building and expanding a strong client base and professional network.
• Contributing to business development and growth opportunities.

Skills

Extensive Family Law experience

Private & Public family matters

Advocacy readiness

Leadership & mentoring

Client care & communication

Business development

Legal Aid experience

CCMS billing

Tools

Lexcel standards

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and driven Senior Family Solicitor to join our established and growing Family Law department. Reporting directly to the Head of Department, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering expert legal services across a broad range of Family and Children Law matters, including both private and public law cases.

This is a senior position requiring a high level of technical expertise, leadership capability, and commercial awareness. You will take ownership of a complex caseload, contribute significantly to fee generation, and support the strategic growth of the department.

The role also involves supervising and mentoring junior colleagues, contributing to compliance and quality standards, and actively supporting business development initiatives. You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, professionalism, and accountability, while maintaining excellent communication with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious solicitor seeking a senior role within a supportive and forward-thinking firm, with genuine opportunities for progression and enhanced earnings through performance.

Person Specification & Requirements

• Extensive experience managing a broad caseload of Family and Children Law matters, including both private and public law cases
• Strong experience in complex matters, including domestic abuse, child protection, and court proceedings
• Proven ability to manage a demanding caseload independently, with minimal supervision
• Confident and experienced advocate (or strong willingness to undertake advocacy where required)
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience of Legal Aid, including CCMS processes and billing
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience supervising or mentoring junior staff
• Strong commercial awareness, including achieving and exceeding fee targets
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Personable, confident, and highly articulate communicator
• Strong client care skills, with the ability to handle sensitive matters with professionalism and empathy
• Proactive, strategic, and solutions-focused approach to work
• Ability to generate work and maintain a strong referral network
• Panel membership (e.g., Law Society Children Panel) or working towards accreditation is highly desirable

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing and handling complex and high-value matters, providing strategic legal advice
• Preparation, submission, and management of CCMS applications, amendments, billing, and Payments on Account (POAs)
• Conducting client meetings and providing high-quality, practical, and commercially sound legal advice
• Representing clients at court hearings, conferences, and advocacy where appropriate
• Attending external appointments, including courts, prisons, and other locations as required
• Drafting complex legal documents, court applications, and detailed correspondence
• Negotiating effectively with clients, counsel, experts, and third parties to achieve optimal outcomes
• Conducting in-depth legal research and ensuring advice reflects current legislation and case law
• Supervising, mentoring, and supporting trainee solicitors, paralegals, and support staff
• Reviewing work completed by junior team members to ensure quality and compliance
• Managing and maintaining case files through internal systems and external portals
• Ensuring all Legal Aid work complies with contractual and regulatory frameworks
• Building, maintaining, and expanding a strong client base and professional network
• Actively contributing to business development, including networking, marketing initiatives, and identifying opportunities for growth
• Supporting the Head of Department with departmental strategy, performance, and development
• Ensuring compliance with internal policies, Lexcel standards, and regulatory requirements
• Maintaining strict confidentiality and compliance with GDPR
• Keeping fully up to date with changes in Family Law, Legal Aid, and court procedures
• Undertaking ongoing professional development and required training
• Assisting with recruitment, onboarding, and development of junior team members where appropriate
• Undertaking any additional duties as required by the Directors to support the wider business

Benefits and Remuneration

• Competitive salary
• 25 Days Holiday plus public bank holidays (increasing up to 30 with length of service)
• Additional Birthday Holiday*
• Optional 1 day per week home working*
• Free parking
• Staff social and team-building events
• Auto-enrolment workplace pension*
• Professional development and training opportunities, including webinars
• Paid study leave*
• Practicing certificate renewed annually*
• Breakfast clubs
• Free eye tests*
• Employee recognition scheme
• Performance-based bonus scheme*
• Friendly, supportive, team environment
• Interesting and meaningful work
• A wealth of experienced solicitors to help guide your career

* Terms and Conditions apply