Family Solicitor/ Experienced Paralegal

My Client is looking for a Part Time Family Solicitor or Experienced Paralegal to assist their busy Privately funded department in Gloucester.

Main Purpose of Job:

• To work competently as an assistant lawyer to the Family law Directors in the Family Department, based at the Gloucester office.

• To deal exclusively with privately funded work.

• To conduct networking and marketing activities in support of the Family law Directors (for example attending family law ‘surgeries’ with a director).

• To actively seek opportunities for cross-selling of wills/probate work through local business development and client instructions secured.

Responsibilities, Duties and Tasks

• To assist the Family Law Directors in managing all administration for fixed fee work files (divorce cases and drafting pre-nuptial/separation agreements and consent orders);
• To produce standard type documents (for court proceedings or otherwise) - such as Chronology, Forms E and H, Scott schedules, Witness statements – for the Family Law Directors in accordance with their strategic guidance;
• To provide standard advice letters to clients where appropriate in accordance with standard procedures, and referring any other requests for advise to the Family Law Directors;
• To provide clients with standard procedure documents as an when required (retainers, notices of change, fixed fee worksheets, etc…);
• To manage all files methodically and efficiently and in accordance with the Firm’s procedures;
• To record time and bill clients in line with agreed practice policy and charging rates;
• To take responsibility for own personal and professional development and ensure compliance with any compulsory professional education requirements;
• To operate the Firm’s Quality Procedures as specified in the current edition of the Office Manual;
• To contribute to the business development of the Family Department generally and support the Firm’s wider marketing initiatives;
• To identify and initiate cross-selling opportunities;
• To become familiar with the Firm’s health & Safety policy and to operate safely within the workplace;
• To undertake such other duties commensurate with the role.

Qualifications/Training

Essential:

• Law degree from English/Welsh university or equivalent;
• Legal Practice Course from English/Welsh training provider or equivalent.
• If Solicitor level, 2+ PQE experience.

Experience/Knowledge

Essential:

• Minimum 1-2 years’ experience of working in family law, 
• Experience or a keen interest in/understanding of business development

Skills/Abilities

Essential:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to deliver a strongly client-focussed service, giving timely practical legal solutions to family law issues; 
• Excellent organisational skills;
• Ability to handle own caseload independently with minimal daily supervision;
• Ability to organise own files;
• Take responsibility for financial management of own files and ensure all bills are delivered and followed up in an efficient manner;
• A team player who can demonstrate leadership as well as support colleagues;
• Computer literate, using word processing and excel;
• Ability to work under pressure.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of public funded or public law children act cases.

For a confidential discussion on this role please contact Daniel at our head offices.