Head of Family Law

Reports To

Managing Director

Lyons Bowe is a high-street Solicitors, but with a difference! Established in 2014, we have developed state of the art technology which allows us to offer exceptional legal services across Residential Conveyancing, New Build, Family & Private Client whilst also providing that all-important high-street service to our local communities. Our aim is to the be the number one high Street law firm in England and Wales so there is considerable growth plans.

Following the growth of our business we are now looking to recruit experienced and qualified Head of Family Lawyer to join our team, leading our busy Family department based either remotely or in our Bristol, Shepton Mallet or Bridgwater offices, and working in a flexible way to suit the needs of both them and the business.

Lyons Bowe are passionate about providing our clients with first-class experience throughout their journey with us and as such, we utilise industry-leading technology that allows our clients to enjoy an enhanced experience without missing out on personalised client service. 

We aim to give our clients and our team members the flexibility to choose an experience that best fits their needs. To this end, the successful candidate will be ableto enjoy working on a remote/hybrid basis.

Our Family department works as a team, providing ongoing and consistent support to each other. This gives everyone who works within the team the flexibility to work hours that suit them and the business if needed and a good work life balance is actively encouraged!

Job Overview

As the Head of Family Law you will take on a leadership role within the Family Law department, overseeing the management of complex and high-value family law cases. You will work closely with other senior professionals to implement the department’s strategy, provide legal guidance to clients, and ensure that the team delivers exceptional service. The role requires significant experience in family law, strong leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to drive business development and client satisfaction.

Responsibilities and Duties

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead and manage the Family Law department, providing guidance and direction to junior solicitors, paralegals, and support staff.
• Supervise and mentor the team, supporting their professional development and providing training on complex family law issues.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and manage the team’s progression and training to ensure high standards of legal service delivery.
• Develop and maintain a positive team culture, ensuring open communication and collaboration.
• Manage the allocation of cases, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and that client deadlines are met.

Case Management and Client Service:

• Lead and manage a case load of high-profile and complex family law matters, including divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements, pre-nuptial agreements, and domestic violence cases.
• Provide expert legal advice and representation to clients, ensuring that their interests are protected and that they receive high-quality legal services.
• Attend client meetings, provide regular updates,and ensure clients are well-informed about the progress of their cases.
• Take responsibility for strategic decisions in difficult cases, providing practical and commercial advice to clients.
• Ensure the timely preparation, submission, and review of legal documents, such as court applications, settlement agreements, and consent orders.

Strategic Development and Business Growth:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Family Law department’s strategy and business goals.
• Drive business development initiatives, identifying opportunities for client acquisition and retention within the family law practice.
• Network with potential clients, intermediaries, and other stakeholders to enhance the department’s profile and reputation in the marketplace.
• Assist with the development of marketing and promotional strategies for the Family Law department, including hosting seminars, webinars, or writing articles for publication.
• Foster strong relationships with key clients, ensuring long-term client retention and satisfaction.

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Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure that all legal work within the Family Law department complies with relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards.
• Oversee the risk management and compliance aspects of the team’s work, ensuring adherence to firm policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in family law legislation, court procedures, and legal trends.
• Provide guidance on ethical considerations in sensitive family law cases, including confidentiality and conflict of interest issues.
• Supervise the preparation of court applications and submissions to ensure they meet all legal requirements and deadlines.

Financial Management and Profitability:

• Manage the department’s financial performance, including budget setting, monitoring, and achieving targets related to fees, billing, and profitability.
• Oversee the management of the department’s workload and financial targets to ensure a profitable and efficient operation.
• Supervise fee earners to ensure efficient use of time and resources, and that work is completed within agreed budgets and timeframes.
• Ensure that billing and invoicing practices are followed, and that clients are invoiced accurately and promptly.
• Monitor WIP (Work in Progress) and disbursements and take corrective action where necessary to ensure financial targets are met.

Professional Development and Continuous Learning:

• Stay updated with the latest developments in family law, including legislation, case law, and best practices.
• Participate in relevant professional development opportunities, such as seminars, conferences, or training, to maintain and enhance legal expertise.
• Encourage and support team members in their professional development and ensure that they have the necessary resources to succeed in their roles.
• Contribute to the development of training materials and programs for the team to ensure continued growth in family law expertise.

Collaboration with Other Teams:

• Collaborate with other departments within the firm (e.g., dispute resolution, corporate, or tax teams) to ensure clients receive comprehensive and cohesive legal services.
• Work closely with the firm’s leadership team to align the Family Law department’s goals with the overall strategic objectives of the firm.
• Provide support and guidance on cross-disciplinary matters involving family law, particularly those involving complex financial or asset-related issues.

Experience Required

Essential

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Education and Professional Qualification:

• Qualified solicitor with a minimum of 5+ years of post-qualification experience (PQE) in family law, particularly in complex divorce, financial settlements, and child arrangements.
• Alternatively, an experienced Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx) with significant experience in family law may be considered.
• A strong academic background with a law degree or equivalent.

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Experience:

• Extensive experience in handling a diverse range of family law cases, including high-net-worth individuals, financial disputes, child custody issues, and domestic violence matters.
• Proven experience in managing a team, with the ability to motivate, guide, and mentor junior staff members.
• Strong business development skills, with a track record of developing client relationships and contributing to departmental growth.
• In-depth understanding of the family law court system and the ability to represent clients in high-stakes litigation.

Leadership and Management Skills:

• Strong leadership abilities, with experience in team management and performance improvement.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle a busy case load and manage a team.
• Ability to make strategic decisions, provide legal guidance, and offer creative solutions to complex family law issues.

Communication and Client Relationship Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms to clients.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
• High level of emotional intelligence to deal with sensitive family matters and provide empathetic support to clients.

Commercial Awareness:

• Strong understanding of the commercial aspects of law practice, including billing, budgets, and achieving financial targets.
• A business-minded approach to client service and the development of new business.

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Desired

• Specialization: Experience in niche areas of family law, such as international family law, prenuptial agreements, or complex financial matters.
• Client Development: A proactive approach to networking, marketing, and building the family law practice’s client base.
• Accreditations: Membership of relevant professional bodies, such as the Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation or Resolution.

Why Lyons Bowe?

• 30 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays
• Annual Lyons Bowe Bank Holiday
• Either onsite parking or parking permits provided
• Discounted legal services
• Free flu jab
• Free eye test
• Have your birthday off!
• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• Access to free mental health services
• Remote & hybrid working opportunities
• Family friendly approach
• Healthy work-life balance
• Extensive training and development opportunities for all employees

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