As an Associate Solicitor in our Family & Relationships department, you will play a key role in advising on a broad range of family law matters, with a particular focus on private children work. You will work closely with Partners and Senior Associates and collaborate with colleagues across the firm to deliver high-quality legal advice and exceptional client service.

This role is ideal for a solicitor with 1–4 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) who is commercially minded, solutions-focused, and eager to contribute to a high-performing, award-winning team. You will liaise directly with clients, counsel, and other professionals, maintaining a high standard of accuracy and professionalism in all aspects of your work.

The successful candidate will have experience in both children and finance matters, with a stronger emphasis on children work. You will be comfortable handling complex, high-net-worth disputes and confident in both litigation and non-court dispute resolution methods. You will also support the development of the team through collaboration and contribute to marketing and business development initiatives.

Job responsibilities

• Respond to enquiries from potential new clients and assess case suitability.
• Accept instructions, arrange retainers, and provide accurate cost estimates.
• Deliver high-quality specialist advice across all areas of family law within the department’s expertise.
• Manage private children law litigation, including case preparation, drafting witness statements, instructing experts, briefing counsel, and preparing documents for contested hearings in compliance with the Family Procedure Rules.
• Handle cross-border children litigation, liaising with ICACU and overseas lawyers, preparing statements and instructions, and responding flexibly to urgent and unpredictable workloads.
• Conduct financial remedy litigation, including preparation of Forms E, questionnaires, draft orders, witness statements, and documents for contested hearings, FDRs, and interim applications.
• Work collaboratively with Partners and Senior Associates on complex cases and carry out tasks assigned by senior team members.
• Maintain accurate and orderly files, including comprehensive attendance notes and time recording.
• Prepare narrative bills and conclude cases in accordance with firm procedures.
• Ensure full compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct and the Law Society’s professional standards.
• Contribute to a positive team environment, working effectively with both junior and senior colleagues.
• Support marketing and business development initiatives, including drafting articles, recording podcasts, and attending industry seminars and events.

Skills and qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with 1–4 years PQE in family law.
• Experience in contested cases and court proceedings, plus non-court dispute resolution.
• Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to build client relationships.
• Highly organised, solution-focused, and collaborative.
• Familiarity with family law software (e.g., Capitalise, Quantum).
• Entrepreneurial mindset and strong networking ability.