At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing complex family law cases and provide expert guidance.
- Company: Join Duncan Lewis Solicitors, a top-tier law firm with a commitment to client service.
- Benefits: Enjoy strong career progression, professional recognition, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome exceptional candidates from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years PQE in family law with relevant accreditations and strong management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
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Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd): Regulated by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas - "a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients". A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos. Recognised among The Times 200 Best Law Firms, we have been awarded Law Firm of the Year at the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards, reflecting our dedication to legal expertise and client service. We hold Investors in People Gold Standard accreditation for over 15 years, showcasing our commitment to professional development. Duncan Lewis is also Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001 certified, ensuring excellence in practice management and data security. We are committed to recruiting dedicated and talented professionals and welcome applications from exceptional candidates. At Duncan Lewis, we value training and diversity, and we take pride in our inclusive workforce.
Department Background: The Legal 500 independent legal directory applauds our Family legal team as "superbly reliable", "professional, personable, and very efficient". The department is ranked and recommended by The Legal 500 UK and Chambers & Partners UK for family and matrimonial work, providing confidential advice with effective representation. Our family team includes solicitors who have achieved the Law Society's Children Law and Family Law Advanced accreditations providing advocacy in all court proceedings, ensuring our clients receive a consistent and professional service as well as a high degree of continuity. The Family department is experienced in assisting high net worth individuals in divorce matters with specialist divorce solicitors with expertise in domestic abuse, adoption, child abduction, prohibitive steps orders, specific issues orders, injunctions, spousal and child maintenance, properties, pensions and freezing injunctions.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Report directly to and collaborate with the Board to ensure performance targets are met.
- Manage and oversee complex family matters.
- Responsible for all aspects of Family work including divorce, financial disputes and remedies; international elements of child abduction/adoption; injunctions/non-molestation orders and providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members.
- Ability to manage and supervise Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors and Caseworkers to manage appropriate caseload types and complexities.
- Assist with delivery of appropriate training and development in the department.
- Variety of duties including dealing with a range of Family law matters as well as undertaking your own advocacy.
- You will have a professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and be interested in Business Development and Marketing to supplement the substantial work volumes brought in by the company.
Key Skills Required:
- 3 Years+ PQE.
- Must have a clean, valid Practicing Certificate at the time of applying.
- Must hold one of the following accreditations: Law Society Family Law Panel (Advanced), with Child Abduction and Wardship component; Resolution Accredited Specialist - Child Abduction Specialist Portfolio completed; Listed on the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) accredited panel.
- Experienced Family Law Solicitor with a proven track record in managing complex and sensitive child abduction cases.
- Strong management skills.
- Committed team player with ability to approach team concerns fairly, foster culture of positive change and encourage cross referrals.
- Previous proven supervisory experience and working to key performance indicators.
- Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with vulnerable client matters in a sensitive manner and resolve complicated practicalities involved in Family Law issues.
- Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business.
- Comprehensive knowledge of publicly funded family law, with the capability to effectively manage privately funded cases.
- Excellent client care and advocacy skills.
- Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills.
What we offer:
- A fantastic supportive team.
- Strong career progression with support for legal awards and professional recognition.
The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB/DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.
Equal Opportunities: Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce. We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post. Please provide additional details in your covering letter if this applies.
Family & Children Solicitor Director (x2) - Milton Keynes employer: Duncan Lewis
Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an exceptional employer, recognised for its commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture. With a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from robust career progression opportunities, competitive salary packages, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements in the vibrant city of Manchester. Our award-winning Housing team provides a dynamic environment where solicitors can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family & Children Solicitor Director (x2) - Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know someone at Duncan Lewis. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Duncan Lewis and their family law team. Knowing their recent achievements and values will help you stand out and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound confident and authentic, not like you're reading from a script!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It shows you're serious about the role and makes it easier for us to track your application. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Family & Children Solicitor Director (x2) - Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Family & Children Solicitor Director role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your expertise in family law and management.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s successful case outcomes or team leadership, we want to see how you’ve made a difference.
Be Professional Yet Personable:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with clients and colleagues alike, so a friendly tone can go a long way in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This ensures it gets to the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Duncan Lewis.
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on family law, especially around child abduction and divorce matters. Familiarise yourself with the latest legal updates and case studies relevant to Duncan Lewis Solicitors. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
Since this role involves supervising solicitors and caseworkers, be ready to discuss your previous management experiences. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team, handled conflicts, or improved processes in your past roles.
✨Demonstrate Client Care Excellence
Duncan Lewis values strong client care skills. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond for a client, especially in sensitive situations. This will highlight your ability to handle vulnerable clients with empathy and professionalism.
✨Be Ready for Business Development Talk
As the role involves business development, come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to marketing and generating new business. Research Duncan Lewis's current strategies and think about how you can enhance them or bring fresh perspectives.
