K J Smith Solicitors
Senior Solicitor- Branch Manager
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About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to build your own team in Cirencester for a forward-thinking niche family law firm. At K J Smith Solicitors, we are known for delivering expert family law advice with care, empathy, and professionalism. Our Senior Solicitors are trusted advisers to clients navigating sensitive and often life-changing situations.
In addition to delivering exceptional legal services, this role carries Branch Manager responsibility, ensuring the smooth operation, compliance, and performance of the office, while leading and developing the team to uphold the firm’s values and high standards.
This role requires outstanding legal expertise, strong leadership capability, commercial awareness, and an unwavering commitment to client care and regulatory excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Client Care & Legal Practice
- Undertake the work ordinarily expected of a qualified Solicitor (Level 3/4 of the SRA Competency Statement) practising in Family Law with sufficient skill, care, and competence.
- Conduct meetings with new and existing clients in person, by telephone, and via video conference, ensuring a compassionate and professional experience.
- Maintain full responsibility for the conduct of client matters, including drafting correspondence and pleadings, attending hearings and conferences, instructing Counsel, and ensuring matters progress efficiently.
- Ensure all time is recorded accurately at the appropriate fee rate and within agreed cost estimates. Keep clients regularly informed regarding fees and obtain sufficient monies on account before incurring third-party costs.
- Work proactively with clients and the KJS Accounts Team in managing client debt and securing third-party funding where appropriate.
- Endeavour to attract additional business from new and existing clients, promoting the KJS brand while treating clients fairly and maintaining accurate chargeable time records.
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Branch Management & Leadership
- Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management, performance, and compliance of the branch office.
- Lead, motivate, and develop the office team, creating a supportive, high-performing, and collaborative working environment.
- Provide clear supervision, mentoring, and guidance to junior fee earners and support staff, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timeliness of work.
- Work with the KJS Management Team to plan branch objectives aligned with firm strategy and growth plans.
- Monitor financial performance of the branch including billing, productivity, and debt management, taking appropriate corrective action where required.
- Ensure the office environment is professional, organised, and compliant with Health & Safety requirements.
- Conduct regular team meetings and contribute positively to firmwide meetings and initiatives.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of new team members within the branch.
Professional Standards & Compliance
- Always work and behave in a professional manner, upholding the highest standards expected by the SRA in both a personal and professional capacity.
- Ensure all information relating to KJS, its Directors, Employees, and clients is treated as wholly confidential.
- Keep up to date with developments in Family Law and ensure compliance with SRA Practising Certificate requirements.
- Work collaboratively with the COLP, COFA, MLRO, and MLCO as required, supporting file reviews, compliance monitoring, complaints handling, and training needs.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion across the branch and wider firm.
- Carry out all duties in line with KJS policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
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What We’re Looking For
- Qualified Solicitor with substantial post-qualification experience in Family Law (typically 5+ years PQE).
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience, ideally with branch or departmental responsibility and a passion for growing your own team.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to manage office performance. Working with our marketing team and generating business through your own office initiatives.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and client-care skills.
- A calm, professional, and empathetic approach when handling sensitive matters.
- Commitment to regulatory compliance, confidentiality, and high professional standards.
- A proactive and collaborative mindset aligned with KJS values and culture.
For the avoidance of doubt
- KJS – K J Smith Solicitors
- SRA – Solicitors Regulation Authority
- COLP – Compliance Officer for Legal Practice
- COFA – Compliance Officer for Financial Administration
- MLRO – Money Laundering Reporting Officer
- MLCO – Money Laundering Compliance Officer
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