Family Solicitor

Family Associate/Associate Partner

To work in Sale and Manchester, presence across both office spaces with the opportunity to work flexibly.

Slater Heelis is a leading full-service law firm with a rich history of providing exceptional legal services to clients across the UK. Based in Manchester, we are known for our client-centric approach, professional integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Management & Casework

• Manage a caseload of private family law matters, including divorce, financial remedy, cohabitation disputes, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and private children matters.

• Maintain excellent communication with clients, providing clear, compassionate, and commercially sound advice throughout.

• Tailor your approach to meet the individual needs of clients, often in emotionally sensitive or high-conflict situations.

• Attend court hearings and conferences with counsel where required and represent clients effectively in negotiations and dispute resolution processes.

Legal Expertise & Compliance

• Stay up to date with developments in family law, case law, and procedural rules to ensure the highest standards of legal advice and representation.

• Ensure all work complies with SRA regulations, Law Society guidelines, and the firm’s internal compliance and risk management procedures.

• Take responsibility for your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and proactively seek out training and development opportunities.

• File & Risk Management

• Ensure all files are maintained in accordance with firm procedures and quality standards.

• Progress matters efficiently, with a high level of organisation and attention to detail.

• Handle matters in a way that minimises risk to both the client and the firm, including appropriate record-keeping and confidentiality protocols.

• Financial & Performance Management

• Record chargeable time accurately and in a timely manner.

• Achieve individual fee-earning targets, billing objectives, and cash flow goals.

• Support the financial health of the department through timely billing and effective management of client funds and WIP.

Business Development & Networking

• Contribute to the growth of the Family Law department by building strong client relationships and nurturing existing referrer contacts.

• Take part in marketing and networking activities, including seminars, webinars, and local events, to raise the profile of the firm and department.

• Look for opportunities to cross-refer work within the firm and identify potential areas for service development.

• Teamwork & Team Development

• Support and collaborate with colleagues across the Family team and wider firm.

• Assist with mentoring junior lawyers, trainees, or paralegals where appropriate, fostering a supportive and inclusive team culture.

• Attend team meetings and contribute ideas for improving departmental processes, client service, and overall performance.

• Act as a positive ambassador for the Family department and the wider firm.

• Maintain high standards of professional conduct in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and external parties.

• Promote the firm’s values, client-focused ethos, and commitment to excellence.

What we are looking for:

• Empathy and emotional intelligence – a sensitive and thoughtful approach to clients experiencing distressing circumstances.

• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and tactfully.

• Professionalism and discretion – a commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and ethical practice.

• Commercial awareness – an understanding of the business context of legal services and the importance of client satisfaction.

• Attention to detail – a meticulous approach to documentation, deadlines, and client matters.

• Time management and organisation – the ability to prioritise a busy caseload and meet deadlines efficiently.

• Proactivity and initiative – someone who takes ownership of tasks and drives matters forward independently.

• Team orientation – a collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to team success.

• Resilience and composure – remaining calm and professional under pressure or in emotionally charged situations.

• Commitment to continuous improvement – a drive to develop professionally and contribute to the evolution of the department.

The extras

• Flexible time off – 27 days annual leave plus 1 day for birthday and 8 Bank holidays. We also offer an additional day annual leave for your 3-, 5- & 10-year anniversary.

• A competitive pension scheme

• Income Protection

• Life Assurance

• Cycle to work scheme

• Healthcare cash plan

• Private Medical Insurance

• Hybrid Working

• A benefits portal enabling you to purchase an array of other benefits via salary sacrifice, such as, expanded partnerships with 1000+ gyms, the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave, season ticket loans, and travel insurance amongst other attractive perks.

Please contact Layla Jackson at Lawfront – layla,jackson@lawfront.com if you wish to apply or would like any further information.