Private Family Solicitor

• Be the go-to family lawyer in a close-knit team, with full autonomy from day one
• Genuine culture, built around real work-life balance
• Steady caseload and strong internal referrals, no pressure to win work

From the start, you’ll run your own caseload of private family matters, supported by a secretary and a steady stream of existing work. Divorce, financial remedy and children matters will form the core of your caseload, with a mix of mid-to-high value work. You won’t be expected to generate work to justify your role; the demand is already there.

Over the first year, you’ll become a key part of a small but supportive team. You’ll be trusted to handle files independently, build strong client relationships and shape how the department operates day-to-day. There’s space here to influence how things are done without layers of process slowing you down.

Longer term, this is a role where you can grow naturally into a senior presence within the team, whether that’s mentoring others, helping develop the offering, or simply becoming the trusted name clients return to.

The environment is what tends to keep people here. It’s relaxed, honest and genuinely supportive. People leave on time, flexibility is handled like adults, and there’s a strong sense that everyone looks out for each other, particularly when life outside work matters most.

Who we’re looking for

• Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years’ PQE in private family law
• Experience handling divorce, financial remedy and children matters
• Confident managing a caseload independently
• Strong drafting, negotiation and communication skills
• Experience of advocacy and attending court
• Comfortable working as a key fee earner within a small team
• Friendly, approachable and down-to-earth personality
• Team-oriented with no ego and a willingness to muck in

What you’ll be doing

• Managing a full caseload of private family matters from instruction to conclusion
• Advising on divorce, financial remedy and children matters
• Drafting court documents, statements and agreements
• Conducting negotiations and supporting alternative dispute resolution
• Attending hearings and undertaking advocacy where appropriate
• Liaising with counsel and other professionals
• Maintaining high standards of client care and file management
• Contributing to the team and supporting its ongoing development

Salary & Benefits

• Quarterly bonus (up to 10% of salary annually)
• Strong work-life balance, genuine 5pm finish culture
• 23 days holiday + bank holidays
• Christmas shutdown (no holiday required)
• Informal, trust-based flexibility
• Option for hybrid working (typically up to 2 days from home
• Annual salary reviews based on performance
• Supportive, people-first culture where wellbeing is taken seriously
• Stable role with consistent workflow and strong internal referrals

Contact Mel Samson

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

Mel specialises in family roles across the North West and Midlands and can give you a clear picture of how this role compares locally, including culture, flexibility and long-term progression.