Head of Family Law (Qualified Solicitor) in Surrey

Location: Camberley, Surrey / Hybrid Working pattern: Part-time or full-time Experience: Minimum 5+ years PQE Reports to: Chief Executive Officer An opportunity to build something meaningful Hartley Law is launching a dedicated Family Law service. We are looking for an experienced family lawyer to build and lead this new practice area from the ground up. This isn't a role where you simply step into an established department - it's an opportunity to create one. As Head of Family Law, you will have the autonomy, responsibility and support to shape our Family Law offering from the ground up. You will work closely with our CEO and wider team to develop the service, establish its strategic direction, and help make it a successful and meaningful part of Hartley Law. This is also an area where Hartley Law is committed to making a wider difference. We have an established commitment to advocating for reform within the family justice system, particularly around domestic abuse, trauma, and the protection of children. We want our Family Law service to be part of that wider conversation, to lead in its industry and contribute positively to society and the future of family justice. If you recognise that the current family justice system needs reform and want to be part of building a better alternative, this role is for you. About Hartley Law Founded in 2016 by CEO Karenjit Dhaliwal, Hartley Law is a boutique, client-focused firm delivering clear, practical legal advice without the jargon. As a Certified B Corporation , we use business as a force for good. Our work extends beyond traditional practice to include pro bono initiatives, charitable partnerships, and systemic reform within the family justice system - particularly around domestic abuse, trauma, and child protection. We focus on understanding what matters to our clients, providing straightforward advice, and delivering an exceptional service from the first conversation through to resolution and beyond. Why Family Law? Family law can be some of the most personal and difficult work a lawyer undertakes. Relationship breakdown, arrangements for children, financial uncertainty, domestic abuse and other family disputes can have a profound impact on people's lives. We want to build a novel Family Law service that fully recognises this. Our approach will combine excellent legal advice with empathy, genuine understanding of the subject and its connection to other disciplines, clear communication, and strong client care . We want our clients to feel listened to, informed and supported with passionate advocacy. The role As Head of Family Law, you will take the lead in establishing and growing our Family Law practice, overseeing both strategic direction and day-to-day legal delivery while working closely with our CEO. Your role will include: Leadership and building the Family Law service oWe are looking for an entrepreneurial lawyer who thrives in environments without a pre-existing playbook and wants to drive positive change in the industry. oDevelop and implement the strategy for Hartley Law's Family Law services. oDevelop processes and systems that allow the department to operate efficiently and provide an excellent client experience. oEstablish a sustainable and commercially successful Family Law practice. oIdentify opportunities to grow the department and Hartley Law's wider client base. oIdentify future recruitment needs and support the growth of the team. oMentor and develop junior lawyers and support staff as the department grows. oCollaborate with colleagues across Hartley Law and identify opportunities for cross-referrals and wider client support. Legal work and client care o Manage your own caseload and advise clients across your areas of family law expertise. o Awareness of how to speak with victims of domestic abuse, be trauma informed. o Provide high-quality, practical and commercially sensible legal advice. oHandle matters with sensitivity and professionalism, and with a strong focus on client outcomes. o Ensure clients receive clear, timely and personalised communication. o Maintain high professional and regulatory standards. Business development oBuild relationships with existing and prospective clients, and professional contacts. o Develop long-lasting, strategic relationships. o Build relationships with external professionals, including barristers, psychologists, therapists, forensic auditors. o Contribute to Family Law marketing, content and thought leadership. o Establish Hartley Law's reputation as a modern and trusted Family Law provider. About you - the person we're looking for We are looking for an experienced family lawyer who is ready to lead, build and influence positive change in the industry . You will have: oMinimum 5+ years’ PQE with strong experience independently managing a Family Law caseload. o Strong technical knowledge , sound legal judgement, analytical, organised and the ability to " join the dots " across connected disciplines. oExcellent communication and professional relationship skills. oCollaborative leadership style, with the confidence to work autonomously, take ownership, and thrive within a small, growing team. oCommercial