Head of Family Solicitor in York

Location: York

Salary: Competitive – discussed on screening call

Contract: Permanent – flexible working hours and days available for the right candidate

Hawk3 Talent Solutions are recruiting for an established legal firm who are hiring an experienced, commercially minded Head of Family Solicitor to lead and grow a small but high-performing Family Law team. This is a rare opportunity for a solicitor ready to step into a leadership role, managing a two-person team with real influence over strategy, culture, and departmental growth.

The Role

This is a senior leadership position, offering the chance to shape the department while maintaining a strong personal caseload. You will be responsible for driving high-quality legal service delivery, team development, and sustainable growth. You will step into a collaborative and supportive environment where internal promotion, long-term career progression, and personal development are actively encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Excellence
  • Manage a varied and complex caseload of family matters, including divorce, financial remedies, private children work, and cohabitation disputes.
  • Provide expert legal advice, ensuring compliance with current legislation, case law, and professional standards.
  • Supervise and support fee earners, promoting best practice in client care, legal drafting, and advocacy.
• Leadership & Management
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a small team, providing guidance, performance management, and constructive feedback.
  • Set departmental objectives, KPIs, and budgets, monitoring progress and outcomes.
  • Streamline processes to improve efficiency, compliance, and the client experience.
• Service Delivery & Operations
  • Oversee file management, billing, and financial control within the department.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and adherence to high-quality standards.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across the firm to deliver seamless client service.
• Business Development & Growth
  • Develop and implement strategies to grow the Family department.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships and professional networks.
  • Identify opportunities for new services, markets, and revenue streams.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with 5+ years PQE in Family Law.
• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of privately funded family matters.
• Excellent leadership and people management abilities, as this is a small team; if you have mentoring experience and are looking for your next step in your career, this could be a perfect opportunity.
• Commercial awareness with experience generating work and developing a department.
• Outstanding communication and client relationship skills.
• Organised, resilient, and able to manage competing priorities effectively.

What’s on offer?

• Competitive salary with performance-related bonus.
• Leadership opportunity with real influence over strategy and departmental growth.
• Collaborative, supportive, and inclusive culture that values longevity and internal promotion.
• Structured professional development and career progression opportunities.

Additional Benefits:

• Enhanced annual leave and firm closure over Christmas break.
• Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and potential 3-4 day working weeks if this is preferred.
• Team building events, wellbeing initiatives, and recognition programs.
• Health and wellbeing benefits, cycle-to-work scheme, and long service awards.

Why This Role?

This is a unique chance to lead a small, highly experienced team, shape the culture, and make a lasting impact. You will join a firm that values career longevity, internal progression, and professional development, providing a platform for both personal and departmental growth. If you are an approachable, motivated solicitor with the drive to lead a department and grow your career, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date 30.06.26