Family Solicitor - #2126361

Family Solicitor – Legal Aid

Location: East London

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Experience: Ideally 2+ years PQE, with strong relevant experience considered at other levels

Area of Law: Family Law / Legal Aid

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and committed Family Solicitor to join a well-established legal practice in East London. The successful candidate will have solid experience handling family law matters, together with a strong understanding of Legal Aid-funded work.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor who is passionate about supporting individuals and families, while managing a varied caseload within a busy and supportive team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of privately funded and Legal Aid family matters from initial instruction through to conclusion.
• Advise clients on a range of family law issues, including children matters, domestic abuse, care proceedings and other publicly funded work, as appropriate.
• Conduct client consultations and provide clear, practical and sensitive legal advice.
• Prepare applications, statements, case summaries and other legal documentation.
• Represent clients at court hearings and attend conferences, negotiations and other appointments.
• Liaise effectively with barristers, counsel, courts, Cafcass, social services and other professionals.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive case files and comply with relevant regulatory requirements.
• Manage Legal Aid applications, certificates, funding requirements and associated billing processes.
• Ensure cases are progressed efficiently and in accordance with relevant deadlines.
• Maintain high standards of client care and confidentiality.
• Contribute positively to the wider family department and support colleagues where required.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales.
• Demonstrable experience practising family law.
• Practical experience of Legal Aid-funded family work.
• Strong knowledge of relevant family legislation, procedure and court processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation and client-management abilities.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload independently and prioritise competing deadlines.
• A compassionate and professional approach when dealing with vulnerable clients.
• Strong organisational and file-management skills.
• Good IT skills and familiarity with case-management systems.

Desirable

• Experience with care proceedings and/or domestic abuse work.
• Experience working with vulnerable clients.
• Existing experience with the Legal Aid Agency and Legal Aid billing processes.
• Advocacy experience in the Family Court.
• Membership of relevant professional organisations.
• Experience working within a Legal Aid-focused or high-volume family department.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunity to develop your family law career.
• Varied and meaningful caseload.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Pension and other benefits.
• Convenient East London location.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical family law knowledge with genuine commitment to access to justice. You will be confident dealing with clients, courts and other professionals, comfortable managing your own caseload, and able to work effectively under pressure.

Candidates with a strong Legal Aid background who are looking to progress their career within a supportive East London practice are particularly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your relevant family law and Legal Aid experience. Applications will be treated confidentially.