At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload and deliver high-quality service to clients in family law.
- Company: Gibson Kerr Solicitors, a dynamic legal practice in central Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Top-level salary, flexible working hours, and five weeks annual leave.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in family law.
- Qualifications: Minimum 10 years post-qualifying experience in family law required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Gibson Kerr Solicitors, a central Edinburgh legal practice, is seeking a family solicitor at a legal director, consultant or senior associate level. The ideal candidate has a minimum of ten years post‑qualifying experience in family law, can manage their own caseload with minimum supervision, and is willing to contribute to the growth of our Family Law department.
Based in our West End office and from Glasgow City Centre, the Family Law department currently comprises two partners, a consultant, a senior associate, an associate, a senior solicitor and seven support staff. The successful candidate will help develop an already expanding department and will work closely with the team to win new business.
The successful candidate will be required to help develop an already expanding department. The person will have a strong working knowledge of the relevant law, experience in a client‑facing role, good communication skills and will always put their clients’ interests foremost. They will have significant experience dealing with financial provision in medium to high net worth and/or complicated cases, and ideally will be accredited by the LSS as a specialist in family law. If not, they will be expected to gain accreditation quickly. They will be enthusiastic, bright and cheerful – someone with a good rapport with clients and staff – and will be hardworking, confident, capable of working with the minimum of oversight, prepared to take responsibility for their actions and to make a positive contribution to the functioning of the family law team. An ability to deliver sound advice to clients in a confident and professional manner is essential. They will play a key role in promoting the services of the business and there are opportunities for advancement for the right person.
Qualifications and Skills
- Experience of family law – Minimum 10 years post‑qualifying experience
- Ability to work with minimum supervision
- Computer literate – MS Word, Internet, basic Excel, e‑mail
- Knowledge of Sheriff Court procedures
- Knowledge of Court of Session procedures is an advantage
- Driving licence
- Accreditation as a family law specialist by the LSS (preferred)
Responsibilities
- Take up a client‑facing role in the Family Law Department
- Manage your own caseload, delivering accurate, high‑quality, on‑time service to clients
- Adhere to the ethical code applicable to Scottish solicitors, maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct at all times
- Promote the firm’s services and contribute to new business development
- Assist in the development of the department’s practice and career pathways for team members
Conditions of Employment
- Working hours: 8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday (flexible and agile working can be agreed)
- Annual leave: Five weeks plus five public holidays (two days each at Christmas and New Year, one day on Easter Monday)
- Salary: Top level for the right person, negotiable depending on experience, with the possibility to earn a bonus
- Notice: Three months’ notice required on either side, with a three‑month probationary period during which the employer may give one month’s notice; the probationary notice period applies to the employee as well
Benefits
- Opportunity for advancement within the firm as the department expands
- Collaborative working environment with supportive partners and a strong junior team
Key Attributes
- Enthusiastic, bright and cheerful – good rapport with clients and staff of other firms
- Excellent team player with the ability to manage across the business
- Willingness to learn new tasks and firm procedures
- Prepared to take responsibility for the way actions impact the firm’s performance and work with the business to develop a career path
- Prepared to perform all aspects of the job conscientiously, handling a varied workload and prioritising tasks appropriately
- Prepared to take initiative where opportunities arise in relation to new business and to conduct business in a confident manner
Family Law – Legal Director/ Consultant/ Senior Associate employer: Gibson Kerr Solicitors
Contact Detail:
Gibson Kerr Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Law – Legal Director/ Consultant/ Senior Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other family law professionals. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you to someone looking for your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex cases or contributed to business growth in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate but the perfect fit for their expanding Family Law department.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the firm! Understand their values, recent cases, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points during interviews!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make sure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up in the Family Law department. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Law – Legal Director/ Consultant/ Senior Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in family law, especially highlighting your ten years post-qualifying experience. We want to see how you can manage your own caseload and contribute to our growing Family Law department.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your enthusiasm for family law and how you can bring value to our team. Don’t forget to mention your client-facing experience and any relevant accreditations.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since good communication is key in this role, make sure your application is clear and professional. We love a cheerful tone, so let your personality come through while maintaining professionalism!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gibson Kerr Solicitors
✨Know Your Family Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your family law knowledge, especially around financial provisions in medium to high net worth cases. Be ready to discuss recent developments in the field and how they might impact your clients.
✨Showcase Your Client-Facing Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you prioritise clients' interests, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with a team, think of instances where you've collaborated effectively. Emphasise your ability to contribute to the growth of a department and how you can help win new business.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Career Path
The firm values career development, so be prepared to talk about your professional journey and future aspirations. Show enthusiasm for taking on responsibilities and how you plan to grow within the firm.