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Family Solicitor - Legal Aid
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Family Solicitor – Legal Aid
East London | Upton Park | Office-based | Salary DOE
An established and growing London law firm is looking for an experienced Family Solicitor to join its busy East London team. This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor who is passionate about access to justice and enjoys working directly with clients who may be vulnerable, distressed or facing urgent and challenging family circumstances.
The role will involve managing a predominantly Legal Aid-funded family law caseload, with particular emphasis on domestic abuse and children matters.
The Role
You will take responsibility for your own caseload and provide high-quality legal advice and representation to clients throughout their matters. Your work is likely to include:
- Domestic abuse cases, including non-molestation and occupation orders
- FL401 applications
- Children Act proceedings, including child arrangements, prohibited steps and specific issue applications
- Public law children work, including care and supervision proceedings where appropriate
- Divorce and separation matters
- Financial remedy work where Legal Aid funding is available
- Eligible cohabitation and property-related family disputes
- Urgent and emergency applications
- Court hearings, including without-notice applications where necessary
- Preparing applications, witness statements, orders, correspondence and other court documentation
- Preparing and managing court bundles
- Providing clear and practical advice to clients throughout their matter
You will be dealing with clients who may be experiencing domestic abuse, relationship breakdown, financial difficulties or other challenging circumstances, so empathy, resilience and excellent client-care skills are essential.
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Legal Aid Responsibilities
A significant part of the role will involve ensuring that Legal Aid matters are managed accurately and efficiently. You will be responsible for:
- Managing cases in accordance with Legal Aid Agency requirements
- Assessing client eligibility, including means and merits
- Preparing and submitting Legal Aid applications and associated documentation
- Maintaining accurate case records and time recording
- Ensuring billing is completed correctly and within relevant requirements
- Keeping up to date with Legal Aid rules, funding provisions and procedural changes
- Assisting with Legal Aid audits and compliance reviews when required
- Ensuring files are maintained to a high professional and regulatory standard
Client Care & Case Management
The successful candidate will be confident managing a busy caseload while maintaining a high level of service. You will:
- Provide clear, accessible and sensitive legal advice
- Manage client expectations around Legal Aid funding and the scope of representation
- Keep clients informed throughout their matter
- Prioritise urgent work effectively
- Meet court and procedural deadlines
- Maintain accurate and well-organised files
- Deal professionally with challenging and sensitive situations
About You
We are looking for a qualified Family Solicitor who has genuine experience of Legal Aid family work and is comfortable handling a demanding caseload.
Essential
- Qualified Solicitor with the right to practise in England & Wales
- Current SRA practising certificate
- Previous experience managing a Legal Aid family caseload
- Good understanding of Legal Aid Agency requirements and procedures
- Strong experience in family law, particularly domestic abuse and/or children matters
- Good knowledge of the Family Procedure Rules
- Strong drafting and advocacy skills
- Excellent client-care and communication abilities
- Ability to work effectively with vulnerable and high-need clients
- Strong organisation and time-management skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Right to work in the UK
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Desirable
- Law Society Children Panel membership
- Resolution membership
- Existing Legal Aid Agency panel experience
- Experience with Legal Aid billing or case management systems
- Higher Rights of Audience
- Additional language skills
- Experience working with a diverse client base
Salary & Benefits
- Salary depending on experience
- Pension scheme
- Annual leave
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Supportive working environment
- Opportunities for career progression
- Access to experienced lawyers across a wider multidisciplinary practice
Why Join?
This role offers the opportunity to do meaningful, client-focused legal work while developing your career within an established and expanding practice. You will have the opportunity to work on a varied Legal Aid caseload, develop your expertise across domestic abuse and children matters, and make a genuine difference to people who need access to quality legal representation.
If you are an experienced Family Solicitor looking for a role where your work has a direct impact on clients' lives, we would like to hear from you. Apply now for a confidential discussion about the opportunity.
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