Head of Family Law – Bristol/ Remote – 5+ Years PQE
Location: Bristol (Hybrid / Remote)
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £60,000–£75,000 (market competitive)
A modern and fast‑growing high‑street law firm is seeking an experienced and qualified Head of Family Law to lead its expanding Family department. Established in 2014, the firm has grown rapidly and now combines exceptional high‑street service with state‑of‑the‑art legal technology. With ambitious plans to become the number one high‑street law firm in England and Wales, this is an exciting opportunity to join a business in a major growth phase and shape the future of its Family practice.
The successful candidate can work on a hybrid or fully remote basis, with flexibility built around both the individual and the needs of the department.
The Role
As Head of Family Law, you will take on a senior leadership role, overseeing the department’s strategy, team performance and delivery of high‑quality legal services. You will lead a supportive, collaborative team where flexibility and work–life balance are genuinely encouraged.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and manage the Family Law department
- Supervise, mentor and support junior solicitors, paralegals and support staff
- Conduct performance reviews and oversee training and development
- Build and maintain a positive, collaborative team culture
- Manage case allocation and ensure efficient use of resources
Case Management & Client Service
- Manage a caseload of complex and high‑value family law matters
- Advise clients on divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements, pre‑nuptial agreements and domestic abuse matters
- Provide strategic, practical and commercially focused legal advice
- Attend client meetings and ensure clients are kept fully informed
- Oversee the preparation and review of legal documents and court submissions
Strategic Development & Business Growth
- Contribute to the department’s strategic planning and growth
- Drive business development initiatives and identify opportunities for client acquisition
- Build strong relationships with clients, referrers and stakeholders
- Support marketing initiatives, including seminars, webinars and written content
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure all work complies with legal, regulatory and professional standards
- Oversee risk management and adherence to firm policies
- Stay up to date with family law legislation and court procedures
- Provide guidance on ethical issues, confidentiality and conflicts of interest
Financial Management & Profitability
- Manage departmental budgets, fee targets and financial performance
- Monitor WIP, disbursements and billing practices
- Ensure accurate and timely invoicing
- Oversee workload management to ensure efficiency and profitability
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with 5+ years’ PQE in family law
- Strong experience in complex divorce, financial settlements and child arrangements
- Proven leadership and team‑management experience
- Strong business development skills
- Excellent communication skills and high emotional intelligence
- Strong organisational and time‑management abilities
- Commercial awareness and understanding of financial performance
Desired
- Experience in niche areas such as international family law or complex financial matters
- Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g., Resolution, Family Law Accreditation)
- A proactive approach to networking and client development
Why Join This Firm?
- 30 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Additional firm‑wide holiday
- Parking or parking permits
- Discounted legal services
- Free flu jab and eye test
- Birthday day off
- Flexible working arrangements
- Remote and hybrid working options
- Access to free mental health services
- Family‑friendly culture
- Healthy work–life balance
- Extensive training and development opportunities
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:
Olivia Reed
Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761