Family Associate Solicitor

• Help shape and rebuild a Family team, not just inherit a static role
• Hybrid working (3 days office) with genuine flexibility and no presenteeism culture
• Clear progression at the senior end, with space to step up into leadership

This role is based in South Manchester (with flexibility to work from Chester if preferred) and comes at a pivotal time for the Family team.

In the first few months, you’ll take over an existing caseload and focus on embedding yourself into the team’s way of working. There’s strong support around you, but you’ll be trusted to take ownership early, building relationships with colleagues, clients and referrers while contributing positively during a period of change.

As things settle, the role becomes more expansive. You’ll run a full caseload of privately funded work, start to play a more visible role in business development, and (depending on level) support more junior lawyers. Over time, there’s real scope to help shape the direction of the team, whether that’s through developing a niche, strengthening key relationships, or stepping into leadership responsibilities.

The culture here is down-to-earth, professional and pragmatic. People work hard, but without ego or unnecessary pressure. There’s a focus on long-term relationships, both internally and with clients, and a recognition that good work comes from a sustainable, supportive environment.

If you’re looking for high-quality work with the chance to influence how a team evolves, this offers something far more involved than a typical lateral move.

Who we’re looking for

• Qualified Family Solicitor with 2+ PQE
• Strong experience handling private family matters (divorce, finances, children)
• Comfortable managing a caseload with appropriate autonomy
• Strong technical ability across core family law work
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach
• Calm, pragmatic and client-focused
• Experience with higher-value financial remedy work (Desired)
• Background in a regional or recognised firm (Desired)
• Business development experience or interest (Desired)
• Desire to contribute to a growing and evolving team

What you’ll be doing

• Managing a caseload of private family law matters from instruction to conclusion
• Advising on divorce, financial remedy and private children matters
• Drafting pleadings, applications and legal documentation
• Attending hearings, negotiations and alternative dispute resolution
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Contributing to business development and profile-raising activity
• Supporting junior team members where appropriate
• Working collaboratively within a team undergoing growth and change

Salary & Benefits

• Clear progression routes
• Hybrid working – 3 days in the office, 2 from home
• Flexible working options including condensed hours or 4-day week
• 25 days holiday (increasing with service)
• Private medical insurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Strong job security within an established regional firm
• Opportunity to shape the future direction of the team
• High-quality work without the pressure of a volume-driven environment

Contact Mel Samson

📩 mel.samson@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 606

If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely influence a team’s direction, not just join one, Mel can talk you through how this could fit your next move.