Family Solicitor (Head of Department)

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We are seeking an experienced family solicitor to take over the role of Head of Family law to continue to build the work and team.

The ideal candidate will have experience of setting and realising departmental targets, managing a team and planning strategically for growth in alignment with the business goals of the firm. This role offers the post holder the potential to become a Partner in the Firm.

Objectives of this role are to:

• provide a thorough knowledge of all aspects of family law.
• develop strategic plans and deliver the department growth in line with the Firm's objectives.
• represent the department within the Firm.
• manage the department on a day-to-day basis.
• undertake fee-earning work and provide a profitable contribution to the work of
• the department.
• maintain relationships with staff and clients in accordance with the firm's values.
• comply with the firm's policies
• meet individual and team performance targets as agreed from year-to-year.

The Role:

• All aspects of leadership and management for the Family department.
• Conduct of matters on behalf of clients in family law and related matters.
• Supervision of fee-earning work undertaken by junior members of the team.
• Management of support services for the team.
• Maintenance of orderly and up-to-date files including electronic files and complying with the firm's policies on file management.
• Complete time recording and other management records required by the firm.
• Cross-refer work and clients within the firm.
• Ensure compliance with the firm's policies including Lexcel compliance.
• Financial control including managing the cash flow for the team through efficient billing and payment procedures.
• Recognise fee-earning opportunities and developing those opportunities.
• Take responsibility for the management and renewal of the Legal Aid Agency Civil Contract for childcare work and department supervision of those undertaking such work.
• Ensure maximum integration with the Family Office services.

Firm's Expectations:

• Manage the department in accordance with firm's business objectives.
• Be innovative, recognise and develop opportunities for the department and manage organisationally when required with minimal disruption to the business.
• Recognise and enable business development opportunities.
• Plan growth in alignment with the commercial objectives of the firm.
• Comply with the firm's policies in the undertaking of its duties and assist the Partners and staff in achieving efficient management of workflows.
• Support the successful development of the firm in line with its objectives.
• Deliver a high standard of client care.
• Network and participation in the firm's marketing activities.
• Cross referral of work within the firm and department.
• Use and assist in the development of relevant IT and case management systems for the department.
• 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 firm.
• Identify and meet job related training and development targets.
• Any other matters reasonably required by the Partners.

Required:

• Qualified solicitor minimum 10 years PQE.
• Experience in family Law: in all aspects of relationship breakdowns, separation, divorce, dissolution and financial remedy applications in medium to high-net-worth cases; private law; minors; pre and post-nuptial agreements.
• Excellent communication and personal skills.
• A network of existing contacts.
• Ability to build the client base and help market the firm's wider services.
• Ability to develop strategic plans for the department aligned with the business plans for the firm.
• A creative and innovative approach to managing the growth and development of the department.

Desirable:

• Trained mediator.
• Experience of cross border/international work.
• Collaborative family lawyer.
• Resolution accredited specialist (in Advanced Financial Provision 2 and Pensions).
• Proven skills in business development and marketing.
• Leadership and management ability.

Skills Required:

• Leadership and management.
• Smart appearance and manner.
• Self-motivated and clear thinking and able to carry out case work accurately and without supervision.
• Strong communication skills both written and oral with clients, staff and others.
• Ability to work within and manage a team.