Senior Children Lawyer in Leeds

We are looking for an experienced Private Law Children lawyer (minimum 7 years PQE) to join our Leeds office, expert in their field, operating at a senior level with additional responsibilities as set out below.

All Senior lawyers should:

• Provide leadership and embody Stewarts’ core values of Teamwork, Innovation, Manners, and Excellence
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the firm
• Contribute to, support, and promote the shared Stewarts strategic vision
• Be leaders in nurturing a strong ethical culture
• Take overall responsibility for ensuring their team achieves the budgeted fees and time target for the year

Note the responsibilities set out below are not exhaustive. The role is to lead the Children’s team in Leeds, acting as a figurehead and driving forward the strategy and growth of the team. Alongside supervising the team’s cases, the candidate will carry out selected activities which play to their long-term strengths and ambitions, some of which are likely to feature amongst the following:

• Pursuing new business/networking opportunities
• Developing client relationships
• Managing people/teams/projects
• Taking on additional departmental administrative or organisational responsibilities
• Contributing towards the firm-wide learning and development programme
• Contributing towards the firm’s risk and compliance responsibilities and the maintenance of, or achieving additional, relevant recognised legal professional standards
• Contributing towards and supporting business change initiatives

The ability to work on their own initiative on a case load of complex children matters, providing oversight and monitoring. Demonstrate a mature and sympathetic attitude to clients; and be an experienced leader with a drive to grow a team.

Supervisory & people management skills:

The candidate will likely supervise other qualified solicitors, trainees, paralegals and administrative staff. They will be expected to:

• Provide people management support to the Head of Leeds Divorce including supporting the development of staff
• Ensure Performance Snapshots take place across the Leeds Children’s team
• Supervise and mentor individuals as required
• Delegate effectively, set boundaries and oversee work
• Provide regular feedback, offer support and guidance, coach, mentor and motivate

Business Development:

• Motivate fee earners to initiate business development activities
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively balance timely delivery of non-chargeable work with chargeable work even at busy times
• Look ahead and prepare for next stages of client work/projects in advance
• Use sector knowledge to anticipate the needs of the clients and seek to add value with innovative solutions

Financial Management skills:

• Monitoring lock up, billing and debtors across the Leeds Children’s team and reporting to the Head of Divorce Leeds
• Monitoring work allocation in the Leeds Children’s team and reporting to the Head of Divorce Leeds
• Understands the impact of applying the principles of both profit within the team and at a client level and understands the relationship between client service and profit
• Executes the strategy and ensures all of the Children’s team understand the strategy for the team as defined in the business plan

Well organised, uses initiative, prioritises appropriately, applies self, shows attention to detail, manages own workload and meets deadlines. Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills (respectful, positive, articulate, professional and sympathetic). Delivers helpful internal services with a “can do” approach, shows commercial awareness and represents the department/firm appropriately. Shares information and ideas. Shows sound judgement and decision-making skills; acts within boundaries. Shows commitment, passion and enthusiasm. Is a respectful, reliable and supportive team player and reflects the firm’s culture.

Risk and Compliance:

• Leading by example and promoting team-wide ethics and effective risk management
• Overseeing all high-risk cases across the Leeds Children’s team
• Identifying any potential complaints, claims or compliance issues and liaising with the Compliance team to address them