Solicitor- Newbury (1-2 yrs PQE)

Our Newbury team is growing, and we are looking for an enthusiastic Family Solicitor (1-2 years PQE) to join our supportive and ambitious team and play an important role in our continued growth. The Solicitor role at K J Smith Solicitors (“KJS”) is an important position within the firm, responsible for delivering exceptional legal services to clients whilst upholding the highest professional and ethical standards expected by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (“SRA”). The successful candidate will undertake the work ordinarily expected of a qualified Solicitor (Level 3 of the SRA Competency Statement) practising within Family Law and Practice and will do so with skill, professionalism, empathy and commercial awareness. As a Solicitor at KJS, you will be expected to contribute positively to the culture, growth and reputation of the firm whilst supporting colleagues and delivering an excellent client experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform such duties as may reasonably be required in accordance with the needs of the business and the firm’s policies and procedures.
• Serve the firm faithfully and diligently, devoting appropriate time, attention and skill during working hours.
• Act at all times in the best interests of KJS and its clients.
• Comply with all lawful and reasonable management instructions.
• Adhere to all applicable regulatory obligations, internal policies, procedures and professional standards.
• Undertake all duties and responsibilities set out within this Job Description and any amended duties reasonably required by the business from time to time.

Client Care & Legal Services

You will be responsible for providing a high standard of legal advice and client care throughout all stages of a matter. This will include:

• Conducting meetings with prospective and existing clients in person, via telephone and by video conference.
• Managing Family Law matters professionally, efficiently and empathetically.
• Ensuring legal services are delivered promptly, accurately and to the highest professional standard.
• Drafting, reviewing and managing correspondence, legal documents, pleadings and court applications.
• Attending or arranging representation at hearings, conferences, tribunals and other appropriate meetings.
• Maintaining regular communication with clients and ensuring they are kept fully informed regarding progress, costs and expectations.
• Recording time accurately and ensuring matters remain within agreed cost estimates where possible.
• Obtaining sufficient monies on account prior to the incurring of third-party costs, hearing fees or significant preparation costs.
• Working collaboratively with the Accounts Team regarding billing, funding arrangements and client debt management.
• Providing guidance, mentoring and appropriate supervision to junior team members and support staff where required.

Professional Standards & Compliance

As a Solicitor at KJS you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. This includes:

• Conducting yourself professionally and ethically at all times in accordance with SRA Standards and Regulations.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality regarding all information relating to clients, employees, Directors and the wider business.
• Ensuring your practising certificate and ongoing professional obligations remain fully compliant.
• Keeping up to date with developments in Family Law and legal practice.
• Maintaining accurate records, chargeable time and file management standards.
• Supporting and encouraging a positive, collaborative and respectful working environment.
• Treating clients fairly whilst identifying opportunities to strengthen and grow client relationships and business development opportunities where appropriate.

Business Development & Marketing

KJS encourages all Solicitors to contribute towards the continued growth and profile of the firm. Responsibilities include:

• Participating in networking, marketing and business development initiatives.
• Supporting the promotion of both your office and the wider KJS brand.
• Building and maintaining strong professional relationships internally and externally.
• Contributing positively towards the growth and reputation of the firm locally and firmwide.

Office & Team Responsibilities

All employees are expected to contribute positively to the day-to-day operation of the office and wider business. This includes:

• Attending team meetings and other firmwide meetings as required.
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across the firm.
• Assisting the COLP, COFA, MLRO and MLCO where required.
• Supporting file reviews, compliance processes, complaints handling and training initiatives.
• Maintaining organised files, calendars and general office standards.
• Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety requirements whilst on KJS premises or conducting KJS business externally.
• Treating colleagues, clients and visitors with professionalism, fairness and respect at all times.

Person Specification

The successful candidate is likely to demonstrate:

• Qualified Solicitor with experience in Family Law.
• Strong client care and communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Professionalism, empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing positively to a team environment.
• A proactive and positive approach to networking and business development.
• Commitment to maintaining high professional and ethical standards.