Family Solicitor

Delivering a high standard of client care while managing your own caseload, you will attend to enquiries and clients in the Family department.

You will work closely under the supervision of the Supervising Solicitor, providing support to them and the office where required.

You will strive to achieve department and individual targets in line with the current business plan and ensure you provide a profitable contribution to the work of the Family Department.

You will ensure that you are compliant with policies as well as exceed the requirements of external regulators including the SRA and LAA.

You will be aware of and comply with the Money Laundering and Bribery Regulations.

Person Specification

Educational Qualifications/Experience

• Experience in Family Law
• Strong communication skills both written and oral with clients, staff and external parties
• Self-motivated, clear thinking and able to carry out case work accurately
• A proactive approach with an ability to work independently
• Practical, calm & common-sense approach to problem solving

Management/Caseload

• Successfully manage your own caseload under the supervision of a Supervising Solicitor
• Book appointments in the office and outside venues (including courts) as necessary and advising all relevant parties
• Meet with clients in the office, and when appropriate, at a designated conference room or any institution the client may be in (hospital etc) ensuring that you are accompanied by another team member
• Represent clients in court and at local authority/professional meetings, to include the preparation for the same
• Fully instruct counsel, agents and experts when required
• Ensure all court orders are read and actioned accordingly
• Legal Aid Documentation is completed and submitted to the Legal Aid Agency (CCMS)
• Manage and keep records of the scope and cost limitations on files

Client Care and File Management

Having read and understood the office manual and in particular, policies on file management, you will:

• Provide clear and comprehensive advice to clients and progress their case smoothly to conclusion
• Open and maintain client files in accordance with the office manual ensuring that they are orderly and up-to-date
• Where issues arise inform your Line Manager immediately
• Ensure that client files are fully LAA/Lexcel compliant and that:
  • Client care letters are generated and sent out on the same day as opening the matter
  • All appropriate tasks are time recorded in the correct manner
• Upon request provide the necessary information and documentation to your Line Manager who will carry out regular file reviews
• Ensure that all files are submitted for billing within a timely manner
• Manage files for costing for the purposes of the Legal Aid agency and keep a record of concluded files and chase any issues outstanding on any file
• Take responsibility of outstanding issues on any file when asked to by the fee clerk processing the claim for payment
• Understand the case management system ensuring it is used for all document storage and correctly used for time and fee recording at all times regardless of fixed fee cases

Business Development

Develop working relationships with professionals within the legal field and related organisations.

• Promote the family team through networking and marketing when required

Compliance

• Comply with the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Code of Conduct and the Money Laundering Regulations in accordance with current guidance from the SRA and the company
• Ensure that you are up to date with the required professional memberships (including CPD)
• Identify and meet job related training and development targets

General

• You may be required to undertake any other job deemed necessary, reasonable and appropriate
• Understand and comply with all relevant company rules, agreements, policies and procedures
• Conduct yourself, at all times, in a professional and responsible manner, promoting a good and proper image in accordance with company standard
• Promote a positive working environment and support and encourage your team and colleagues
• Support the successful development of the company in line with its objectives