Family Solicitor

The fee earner is responsible to the Head of the Family Department, and to the firm as a whole, for the effective and efficient conduct of cases on behalf of clients in accordance with the overall policies and objectives of the firm. The fee earner is also responsible for proactive development and promotion of the firm's high standards and reputation. All the firm's qualified fee earners are specialists and although they may have some opportunity to work outside their field of specialism, it is anticipated that the specialist area will account for the majority of their fee earning work. For fee earning and case management purposes, the fee earner is responsible to the Head of the Family Department. For other purposes, e.g. in relation to issues relating to equipment or accommodation the fee earner may be responsible to the Partner with the responsibility for that specific issue. The post primarily involves (with the support and assistance where necessary and available of other staff including the partners) the following: 1. dealing effectively with enquiries from referral agencies and direct from prospective new clients so as to assess the nature of the matter and whether it falls within the firm's area of practice, and in a case where the firm is unable to act, and identifying alternative sources of advice where appropriate; 2. accepting instructions from new clients, and in so doing advising them (a) of the likely costs and means of funding the advice, (b) of the firm's terms of business and (c) confirming all such advice in writing in accordance with the professional requirements of the Law Society/Solicitors Regulation Authority; 3. obtaining a realistic sum of money on account of costs and disbursements or, subject to approval, entering into a standard private retainer or conditional fee agreement with the client, or obtaining legal aid ; 4. notifying where appropriate the court, registry, tribunal or other body and any other party and/or their solicitors of the firm's interest, and maintaining all necessary correspondence; 5. undertaking such legal and factual research as is necessary for the case; 6. providing or contributing to detailed, high quality specialist advice to the client in family law matters including regulatory issues; 7. undertaking all necessary preparation of the case or matter, including instructing specialist counsel, assisting with the preparation and drafting of pleadings where appropriate, preparing documents for disclosure, taking the client's proof(s) of evidence, proofs of witnesses including expert witnesses, obtaining and perusal of all necessary documents, preparing and delivering instructions to experts where appropriate, attending or arranging attendance at conferences, consultations, or hearings, confirming with the requirements of the FPR or other applicable rules of procedure; 8. maintaining a full and orderly file with comprehensive attendance notes of all meetings and telephone calls, and, where appropriate, following the firm's system of time recording; 9. when appropriate, invoicing the client by delivery of a detailed narrative bill and applying for further private funds on account; alternatively, applying for legal aid funds on account of disbursements, where necessary making interim claims for costs; ensuring the prompt payment of disbursements; and at the conclusion of a matter delivering papers to a costs draftsperson and expediting the assessment process; 10. facilitating claims for costs from the Legal Aid Agency; 11. at the conclusion of any matter, giving the client all advice necessary at that stage, including advice as to the firm's policy as to retention and destruction of papers; 12. at all times, having strict regard to the Law Society/SRA's Standards of Professional Conduct and Ethics, and in particular to the strict requirement of confidentiality of clients' affairs; 13. liaison within the firm with other fee earners engaged in similar and / or related cases matters or clients with a view both to maximising efficiency and avoiding conflicts of interest; 14. maintaining such financial records and supplying such financial information as may be required by the Law Society/SRA or the firm, including providing calculations of work in progress from time to time; and adhering so far as possible to the billing target which will be calculated from time to time after consultation with the fee earner; 15. becoming familiar with and observing the internal requirements of the firm as to file opening and closure, accounting procedures, and the maintenance of all necessary records and any other administrative requirement; 16. working effectively and efficiently with the non fee earning staff, including the fee earner's own secretary; 17. becoming familiar with and making best and most effective use of the firm's equipment; 18. attending as required at meetings within departments or otherwise to review case work or for the purposes of supervision; 19. attending such training as may be approved by the firm as will be necessary to fulfil the Law Society/SRA's requirements and to maintain a record of all training undertaken and points earned; and 20. to complete and maintain as necessary any professional documentation or records (such as a Practising Certificate) as the Law Society/SRA or any other professional body may require. Hybrid working will be considered 2 days max from home Salary dependent on experience To apply please send your CV as directed

Our well established client is currently seeking an experienced 6 PQE Children's Panel Member with experience in both public and private law children matters. Law Society Children Law Accreditation Panel Membership is essential . You will need: Knowledge of legal aid. Knowledge of adoption is also an advantage. The candidate will also require an excellent track record as a solicitor and solid academic background. Role:

• To undertake fee earning work
• To make a positive contribution to the work of the Department and to the firm