Job Description
Family Solicitor
Location: Exeter area, Devon
Salary: £50,000 to £70,000, depending on experience
Experience: Ideally 5+ years’ PQE
Job type: Permanent, full-time
Sector: UK Legal Practice
The Opportunity
An established Devon law firm is seeking an experienced Family Solicitor to join its busy and well-regarded Family Law department.
You will manage a varied caseload of privately funded Family Law matters from initial instruction through to conclusion. The role offers substantial autonomy, direct client responsibility and the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of the department.
This position would suit a technically capable and compassionate Family Solicitor who can manage complex matters independently, provide clear and pragmatic advice, and build trusted relationships with clients and professional referrers.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
- Manage a varied privately funded Family Law caseload
- Advise on divorce, separation and civil partnership matters
- Handle complex financial remedy proceedings
- Advise on private children disputes and arrangements
- Prepare cohabitation and separation agreements
- Manage matters from initial instruction through to conclusion
- Draft applications, statements, agreements and correspondence
- Negotiate settlements and support alternative dispute resolution
- Instruct and work effectively with Counsel and other professionals
- Provide clear, practical and empathetic client advice
- Maintain accurate and compliant files
- Manage hearings, deadlines and client expectations
- Build relationships with local professionals and referrers
- Participate in networking and business-development activity
- Support and mentor junior colleagues where appropriate
About You
You will ideally have:
- Qualification as a Solicitor in England and Wales
- At least five years’ PQE in Family Law
- Recent experience within a UK Legal Practice
- Strong privately funded Family Law experience
- The ability to manage a caseload independently
- Experience handling complex financial remedy matters
- Strong private children experience
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
- A practical and commercially aware approach
- Strong client-care and communication skills
- The ability to support clients through sensitive circumstances
- Good organisation and attention to detail
- An interest in networking and business development
- The ability to support less experienced colleagues
- A proactive and collaborative working style
Applications may also be considered from Solicitors slightly outside the preferred PQE range where the required technical experience and independent caseload capability can be demonstrated.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers:
- £50,000 to £70,000, depending on PQE, technical experience and caseload capability
- A varied, high-quality privately funded caseload
- Autonomy over Family Law matters
- An established and supportive department
- Direct client and professional-referrer contact
- Opportunities to contribute to departmental growth
- Involvement in networking and business development
- Scope to mentor junior colleagues
- Long-term development within an established Devon Legal Practice
- The opportunity to build professional relationships across Exeter and the wider South West
The full benefits package and working arrangements will be confirmed during the recruitment process.
Location and Relocation
The role is based in the Exeter area.
Applications are welcomed from experienced Family Solicitors already based in Devon and the South West, together with candidates considering relocation to the region.
Applicants should be able to commute reliably to the firm’s office in accordance with the agreed working pattern.
Apply in Confidence
To discuss this Family Solicitor opportunity confidentially, contact:
David Hawthorne-Finch
Managing Director
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
All applications and enquiries will be treated confidentially. No CV or identifying information will be shared with the hiring firm without informed written consent for this specific opportunity.
Family Solicitor in Exeter employer: Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Join a highly respected independent accountancy practice in Leeds, where your ambition and expertise as an ACA or ACCA qualified accountant will be valued. With a strong focus on career progression, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to mentor junior team members, this role offers a fulfilling opportunity to build lasting client relationships while contributing to the firm's growth.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
