Head of Family Solicitor

We seek an experienced and commercially minded Head of Family Solicitor to lead and grow our Family Law department. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong technical expertise, proven management capability, and a track record in business development.

The Role

You will take overall responsibility for the strategic direction, performance, and growth of the Family department, ensuring high-quality legal service delivery while driving profitability and client growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical Excellence
  • Manage a varied caseload of complex family matters including divorce, financial remedy, private children work, and cohabitation disputes.
  • Provide expert legal advice in line with current legislation and case law, ensuring compliance with SRA standards.
  • Supervise and support fee earners, maintaining high standards of legal drafting, advocacy, and client care.
• Leadership & Management
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of solicitors and support staff, including performance management and reviews.
  • Set departmental objectives, KPIs, and budgets, monitoring performance against targets.
  • Implement and improve processes to enhance efficiency, compliance, and client service delivery.
• Service Delivery & Operations
  • Ensure effective file management, billing, and financial control across the department.
  • Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
  • Work collaboratively with other departments to provide a seamless client experience.
• Business Development & Growth
  • Develop and execute a strategic business development plan for the Family department.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships and referral networks.
  • Actively promote the firm through networking, events, and thought leadership (e.g. articles, seminars).
  • Identify opportunities for new services, markets, and revenue streams.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with a minimum of 5+ years’ PQE in Family Law.
• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of privately funded family matters.
• Proven experience in leading or managing a team within a legal environment.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Commercial awareness with a demonstrable ability to generate work and grow a department.
• Strong communication and client relationship management skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus.
• Leadership opportunity with genuine influence over departmental strategy.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Team Building - Corporate volunteering, regular staff wellbeing events including office treat days, colleague of the month, Christmas party.
• Professional Development - Structured, funded and supported training encouraged.
• Bonus Scheme - Criteria for eligibility.
• Health and Wellbeing Benefits.
• Legal Services - Criteria for eligibility.
• Enhanced Annual Leave.
• Long Service Award.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Criteria for eligibility.

At Ware & Kay, we are committed to attracting talented individuals and pride ourselves on providing a supportive and inclusive working environment. We encourage our staff to take ownership of their career and provide opportunities for learning and development at every stage.

With over 200 years of history, we are a trusted Yorkshire law firm with strong community roots and a reputation for excellence. Our Vision and Values are central to everything we do. If you are approachable, committed, and act with integrity, we would love to hear from you.