At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a family law branch while managing a varied caseload.
- Company: Established law firm known for expert family law advice and exceptional client care.
- Benefits: Senior leadership role, career progression, hybrid working, and comprehensive wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values diversity, innovation, and professional excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building and leading a successful team in Cambridge.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in Family Law with strong leadership and client care skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established and growing specialist law firm with a strong reputation for providing expert family law advice delivered with professionalism, empathy and exceptional client care. They are seeking an experienced Senior Family Solicitor (minimum 5 years' PQE) to lead and grow their Cambridge office as Branch Manager, while continuing to deliver outstanding legal services to clients. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior lawyer who combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership ability, commercial awareness and a passion for developing people and building a successful team.
A key focus of this position will be the establishment, growth and leadership of the Cambridge office. The successful candidate will be instrumental in recruiting, developing and embedding a high-performing local team. Hybrid working will be available once the branch is successfully established and a sustainable team structure is in place, offering increased flexibility alongside leadership responsibilities.
The Role
- Manage a varied caseload of privately funded family law matters with a high degree of autonomy.
- Conduct client meetings in person, by telephone and via video conference, delivering a compassionate and professional service.
- Take full responsibility for client matters from instruction through to conclusion.
- Draft correspondence, court documents and pleadings.
- Attend hearings, conferences and negotiations, instructing Counsel where appropriate.
- Ensure matters progress efficiently and clients are kept fully informed throughout.
- Accurately record time, manage costs and billing, and support effective debt management.
- Contribute to business development activities, building relationships and generating new work.
- Maintain the highest standards of client care, professional conduct and regulatory compliance.
Branch Manager Responsibilities
- This is first and foremost a leadership opportunity, with responsibility for driving the success and growth of the Cambridge offering.
- Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management, performance and development of the office.
- Lead the growth of the branch through recruitment, team development and local business development initiatives.
- Build, motivate and retain a high-performing team of legal and support professionals.
- Provide supervision, mentoring and guidance to junior fee earners and support staff.
- Foster a collaborative, supportive and accountable team culture.
- Work closely with senior leadership to deliver branch growth plans and strategic objectives.
- Monitor branch performance, including billing, productivity, profitability and debt management.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, risk management, health and safety and operational requirements.
- Lead regular team meetings and contribute to wider organisational initiatives.
- Support the recruitment, onboarding and ongoing development of new team members.
About You
- A minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience (PQE) in Family Law.
- Strong technical expertise across a broad range of privately funded family matters.
- Proven leadership and people management skills.
- Experience of team development, supervision and performance management.
- Excellent client care and communication abilities.
- Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to business development.
- Strong organisational and case management skills.
- A commitment to maintaining the highest professional and regulatory standards.
- The ambition to build and lead a successful branch office.
What's on Offer
- A senior leadership role with significant autonomy and influence.
- The opportunity to establish and grow a successful branch in Cambridge.
- Clear career progression and long-term development opportunities.
- Ongoing professional development, mentoring and support.
- Bespoke leadership and management training programmes.
- Comprehensive wellbeing initiatives and employee support.
- A collaborative and supportive workplace culture.
- A business that values diversity, innovation, knowledge-sharing and professional excellence.
- Hybrid working arrangements available following the successful establishment and development of the Cirencester team and office operations.
Please contact Rory Brand at Simpson Judge for further information about this opportunity.
Senior Family Solicitor (5+ PQE) & Branch Manager in Cambridge employer: Simpson Judge
Join a well-established and growing specialist law firm in Cambridge, where you will not only lead as a Senior Family Solicitor but also shape the future of the branch as its Manager. With a strong emphasis on professional development, a collaborative work culture, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, this role offers an exceptional opportunity for career growth while making a meaningful impact in family law. The firm is committed to employee wellbeing and values diversity, ensuring a supportive environment for all team members.
