At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle diverse family law matters, focusing on financial remedies and client representation.
- Company: Berry & Lamberts, a growing firm with a collaborative culture across three offices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and private healthcare after probation.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and networking within a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real difference in clients' lives through family law.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years’ PQE in family law and strong communication skills required.
About the Firm
Berry & Lamberts is a three-office firm of solicitors based in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Paddock Wood. The firm provides private client, commercial property, litigation, family, residential property and company commercial services to individuals and businesses across West Kent, East Sussex and beyond. As the firm continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Family Solicitor to join our expanding family team.
Role Overview
The role will involve handling a broad range of family law matters, with a particular focus on financial remedy cases on divorce, including mid to high-net-worth matters. The successful candidate will also advise on pre-nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes involving jointly owned property, private children matters concerning care arrangements, and divorce proceedings.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct client interviews at the candidate’s base office, the firm’s other offices, or the client’s premises.
- Assessing legal problems
- Advising clients on the likely cost of the legal advice and assistance that they require and ensuring that adequate funding measures are in place; reviewing costs throughout matter and updating costs estimates given where required.
- Ensure adequate funds are held on account to cover solicitors’ costs and Counsel’s fees, or that other appropriate funding is in place.
- Preparing regular invoices to clients
- Identifying where clients may be entitled to Legal Aid and signposting to Community Legal Advice Team.
- Conduct legal research.
- Devise case strategy.
- Drafting case papers
- Obtaining evidence from witnesses and experts
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s case and the opponent’s case.
- Briefing barristers
- Negotiating settlements
- Meet deadlines for submitting court papers and responding to clients and other parties.
- Issuing proceedings in the appropriate venue
- Attending interim hearings and representing clients at such hearings where appropriate
- Maintaining client confidentiality
- Ensure each case is handled in accordance with the departmental manual, the professional rules governing your conduct, the requirements of any third-party funding provider, or as otherwise directed.
- Completing time recording
Compliance
- Ensuring that adequate funds are held on account to cover solicitors’ costs and Counsel’s fees or that other appropriate funding is in place
- To understand and correctly apply the law and practice in relation to Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
- Preparing regular invoices to clients
- Ensuring that the case in handled in accordance with the departmental manual, the professional rules governing your conduct, the requirements of any third-party funding provider or as otherwise directed.
- Completing time recording
- Maintaining files so that they comply with the required ISO 9001 standard, the office manual and the Specialist Quality Mark if appropriate.
Business Development and Role Requirements
- Networking record 50 hours marketing/business development
- Assist with the development and progression of the department and the firm
- Attend internal and external courses
- Record 1200 chargeable hours per annum
- Meet the financial billing target set by the head of department for the role
Person Specification
Essential
- 2-5 years’ PQE.
- Excellent attention to detail, particularly given the compliance-critical nature of client account work.
- Confident communicator, comfortable with communicating with clients and third parties
- Willingness and ability to work across all office locations as required.
What the Firm Offers
- Competitive Salary
- Hours – Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. and Friday 9 – 5 p.m.
- Potential to work from home (no more than 2 days per week)
- Discretionary Bonus Scheme
- Auto enrolment pension scheme
- 25 days holiday a year plus bank holidays, plus additional time off at Christmas
- Birthday off work
- Private healthcare (after probation period)
- Death in Service cover
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Local shop discount card (currently TN card)
- Social Events
- Charity Events
Solicitor - Family in Sevenoaks employer: BERRY & LAMBERTS
Join our dynamic and supportive team as a Solicitor in the Commercial Property Department, where you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values your expertise and encourages professional growth. With competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong focus on employee well-being, including private health care and generous holiday allowances, we are committed to creating a rewarding workplace that fosters both personal and career development. Our firm not only prioritises your success but also actively engages in community initiatives, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Family in Sevenoaks
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We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Family in Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at BERRY & LAMBERTS, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in BERRY & LAMBERTS and the specific role of Solicitor - Family. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for BERRY & LAMBERTS’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at BERRY & LAMBERTS
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at BERRY & LAMBERTS.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at BERRY & LAMBERTS.
