At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Family Law department, manage cases, and mentor junior solicitors.
- Company: Join a respected national law firm with a strong reputation in family law.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Shape a growing department while making a real impact in family law.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor with 5+ years in Family Law and leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and to develop your own legal team.
Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Family Law to lead their growing team in Romford, East London.
Considering making an application for this job Check all the details in this job description, and then click on Apply.
The department handles a full spectrum of family law matters, including private family cases and public law proceedings such as care work representing both children and parents.
The Role
This senior role is ideal for a proactive and strategically minded solicitor who can lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team while maintaining their own client caseload. You will be responsible for shaping the department’s direction, ensuring consistent high-quality service, and driving business development across both private and public family law matters.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and manage the family law team, providing guidance, supervision, and mentoring to solicitors and support staff
• Oversee complex caseloads in both private and public law, including care proceedings, divorce, financial settlements, and children matters
• Ensure the department operates efficiently, meets regulatory and compliance standards, and maintains exceptional client service
• Develop and implement business development strategies, including client retention, referral networks, and marketing initiatives
• Monitor departmental performance, fee generation, and profitability against agreed targets
• Maintain hands-on involvement in high-value or sensitive cases to lead by example
• Support training, professional development, and succession planning within the team
The Candidate
• Qualified solicitor with 5+ years PQE in family law, with experience across private and public law
• Proven leadership experience, ideally managing a team of solicitors or fee earners
• Exceptional advocacy, drafting, and technical legal skills
• Strong commercial acumen with experience meeting financial and business development targets
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills
• Confident managing sensitive and complex client matters, including high-profile care proceedings
• Ability to drive a positive team culture, motivate colleagues, and implement best practice
Benefits
• Leadership position with autonomy and influence over the department
• Opportunity to work on complex, high-value family law matters
• Supportive and collaborative senior management environment
• Career development and long-term progression opportunities
Should you have any questions or wish to apply please do not hesitate to contact Clear Legal Recruitment Limited. xiskglj
Please Note: Due to the number of applications we receive we may be unable to respond to every application directly. If you have not heard from us within 3 working days please assume your application has been unsuccessful
Family Solicitor - Head of Department employer: Clear IT Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Clear IT Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Solicitor - Head of Department
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the legal community, especially in Birmingham and London. Attend family law seminars, workshops, and local bar events to connect with potential referrers and partners who can help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in discussions about team management and departmental growth during interviews. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or improved processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in family law, particularly regarding private children matters and LAA compliance. Being well-versed in current issues will demonstrate your commitment and expertise to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the firm to gain insights into their culture and expectations. This information can help you tailor your approach and show that you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Solicitor - Head of Department
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Family Law, particularly your work with private children law cases and LAA matters. Emphasise any leadership roles or mentoring experiences you've had.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Head of Department role. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your ability to lead a team and drive growth.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include specific examples of your past successes in managing legal teams or expanding service lines. Highlight any business development initiatives you have led that resulted in increased client engagement or revenue.
Research the Firm: Familiarise yourself with the national law firm’s values, culture, and recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clear IT Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a candidate for the Head of Department role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, mentored junior solicitors, and driven departmental growth in your previous roles.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to discuss your extensive experience with both privately funded and Legal Aid Agency matters. Be ready to provide specific cases or scenarios where you handled private children law and family finance effectively.
✨Prepare for Business Development Questions
Since engaging in business development is a key responsibility, think about strategies you've implemented in the past to grow a legal service line. Be prepared to discuss how you would expand the firm's private family law offering.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Given the importance of compliance with LAA billing procedures and funding regulations, brush up on these topics. Be ready to explain how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you would maintain high standards in this new position.