Family Solicitor - Private Family Law in Sheffield

Role: Family Solicitor - Private Family Law
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Salary: £38,000 - £42,000
Contract: Full time, permanent

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Family Solicitor to join the family team of a well-established and growing law firm based in Sheffield.

This is an exciting opportunity for a solicitor with experience in private family law to join a friendly and supportive team, working on a varied caseload of privately funded family matters.

The successful candidate will manage their own caseload while working closely with clients to provide clear, practical and commercially sensible legal advice. The role will involve a broad range of private family work, with a particular focus on helping clients through relationship breakdown and associated financial and child arrangements matters.

The role would suit a confident and client-focused Family Solicitor who enjoys building strong relationships with clients and is looking to develop their career within an established family department.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a varied caseload of privately funded family matters from initial instruction through to resolution.
• Advising clients on divorce and separation, financial arrangements and related family law issues.
• Handling private children matters, including child arrangements, living arrangements and contact disputes.
• Advising on financial matters arising from relationship breakdown, including the division of assets, property, pensions and income.
• Preparing and drafting legal correspondence, applications, statements and other relevant documentation.
• Conducting negotiations with the opposing party and their representatives with a view to achieving appropriate and cost-effective outcomes.
• Representing clients in court where appropriate and preparing matters for hearings.
• Working with clients to identify practical solutions and manage expectations throughout the matter.
• Liaising with barristers, experts, courts and other professionals where required.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records and ensuring all relevant deadlines are met.
• Managing matters in accordance with the firm's procedures, regulatory requirements and client care standards.
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the family department.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor with experience in private family law and a genuine interest in developing their career within this area. You will ideally have experience handling your own caseload of private family matters and be comfortable advising clients throughout the lifecycle of a case. You should be confident dealing with clients who may be going through challenging and sensitive circumstances, while providing clear, pragmatic and commercially focused advice. You will also demonstrate:

• Good knowledge of private family law and relevant court procedures.
• Experience dealing with divorce, financial matters and private children work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills.
• The ability to manage your own caseload and prioritise competing deadlines.
• A professional and empathetic approach to client care.
• Confidence negotiating with other solicitors and third parties.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team.
• A proactive approach to business development and building client relationships.

Experience with Legal Aid is not essential, as the role will focus primarily on privately funded work.

The Opportunity

This is a great opportunity for a Family Solicitor looking to join an established team where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of your own caseload and build strong relationships with clients. You will be supported by experienced members of the team while having the autonomy to manage your own matters and develop your technical and client-facing skills. The firm offers a friendly and collaborative working environment, with genuine opportunities for career development and progression.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Professional development and training
• Supportive working environment
• Career progression opportunities
• Employee wellbeing initiatives

About the Firm

Our client is a well-established law firm based in Sheffield with a strong reputation for providing high-quality legal advice to individuals and businesses. The firm has an established family department advising clients across a broad range of private family matters. The team is known for providing a personal and approachable service while delivering clear and practical legal advice. The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative environment, working alongside experienced family lawyers and playing an important role in the continued development of the department.