Family Solicitor Team Leader in Crawley

Family Law Team Leader

Salary

£70,000 + bonus scheme

Location

Cirencester, Tunbridge Wells, Horsham + hybrid working

Currently recruiting for a well-established, Legal 500 law firm, known for delivering expert family law advice with care, empathy and professionalism.

Senior Solicitors are trusted advisers to clients navigating sensitive and often life-changing situations.

In addition to delivering exceptional legal services, this role carries Team Leader responsibility, ensuring the smooth operation, compliance and performance of the office, while leading and developing the team to uphold the firm’s values and high standards.

This role requires outstanding legal expertise, strong leadership capability, commercial awareness and an unwavering commitment to client care and regulatory excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake the responsibilities expected of a qualified Solicitor (Level 3/4 of the SRA Competency Statement) specialising in Family Law, demonstrating a high standard of skill, care, and competence.
• Conduct meetings with new and existing clients in person, by telephone, and via video conference, providing a compassionate and professional service.
• Manage a full caseload independently, including drafting correspondence and pleadings, attending hearings and conferences, instructing Counsel, and progressing matters efficiently.
• Accurately record chargeable time at the appropriate fee rate and within agreed cost estimates.
• Keep clients informed of legal fees and ensure sufficient funds are held on account before incurring third-party costs.
• Work proactively with clients and the Accounts Team to manage client debt and secure third-party funding where appropriate.
• Contribute to business development by attracting new clients and strengthening relationships with existing clients.
• Promote the firm's brand while delivering excellent client care and maintaining accurate billing records.
• Branch Management & Leadership
• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management, performance, and compliance of the branch office.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the office team, fostering a supportive, collaborative, and high-performing working environment.
• Supervise, mentor, and support junior fee earners and administrative staff, ensuring work is completed accurately, efficiently, and to a high standard.
• Work alongside the Management Team to develop and implement branch objectives aligned with the firm's strategic goals and growth plans.
• Monitor the branch's financial performance, including billing, productivity, and debt management, taking corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure the office operates in a professional, organised, and Health & Safety compliant manner.
• Chair regular team meetings and contribute to firm-wide meetings, initiatives, and continuous improvement projects.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of new team members within the branch.
• Professional Standards & Compliance
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, acting in accordance with SRA expectations in both personal and professional conduct.
• Treat all information relating to the firm, its directors, employees, and clients as strictly confidential.
• Keep up to date with developments in Family Law and ensure ongoing compliance with SRA Practising Certificate requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the COLP, COFA, MLRO, and MLCO, supporting file reviews, compliance monitoring, complaints handling, and training initiatives.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion across the branch and the wider firm.
• Carry out all duties in accordance with the firm's policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• What We’re Looking For
• Qualified Solicitor with substantial post-qualification experience in Family Law (typically 5+ years PQE).
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience, ideally with branch or departmental management responsibilities.
• Passion for developing and growing a successful team.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage office performance and profitability.
• Experience working with marketing teams and generating new business through office-led initiatives.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and client care skills.
• Calm, professional, and empathetic approach to handling sensitive family law matters.
• Strong commitment to regulatory compliance, confidentiality, and high professional standards.
• Proactive, collaborative, and team-oriented mindset aligned with the firm's values and culture.