JOB PROFILE
What Is a Family Solicitor?
IN THIS JOB PROFILE
You Will Learn.
- What a Family Solicitor is.
- What the responsibilities of a Family Solicitor are.
- What qualifications a Family Solicitor needs.
- Average salary of a Family Solicitor.
- What skills a Family Solicitor needs.
- Who employs a Family Solicitor.
- Where the latest Family Solicitor jobs are and how to apply for them.
What Is a Family Solicitor?
A Family Solicitor is a legal professional who specialises in family law, providing legal advice and guidance to individuals on their rights and responsibilities under the law.
The areas of family law include divorce, child custody, domestic violence, adoption and other issues related to family relationships.
A Family Solicitor will represent clients in negotiations and court proceedings and can help resolve disputes with alternative methods such as mediation. The goal of a Family Solicitor is to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients with minimal emotional stress.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Family Solicitor?
While working as a Family Solicitor, you will be required to:
- Explain legal rights in regard to the specific situation.
- Direct and supervise mediation sessions.
- Research historic cases that resemble ongoing files.
- Examine evidence that may be beneficial to clients.
- Draft, review and negotiate court documents.
- Attend and represent clients in court when requested.
- Manage a caseload of clients.
- Coordinate with colleagues and other agencies relevant to the case.
- Oversee family estates and wills.
- Regularly update clients about their cases.
- Offer legal advice to clients relevant to the case.
- Update and organise documents, adhering to data protection guidance.
- Negotiate with opposition to reach a settlement agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Do Family Solicitors Need?
To work as a Family Solicitor, you will need to be qualified as a Solicitor first which involves obtaining a law degree, passing the Solicitors Qualifying Exams, completing 2 years of qualifying work experience and being accepted onto the Roll of Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Once qualified as a Solicitor, it is not strictly necessary to obtain any additional qualifications to specialise in family law.
However, many Solicitors who specialise in family law choose to pursue additional training or qualifications such as a masters degree in family law in order to enhance their knowledge and skills in this area.
What Is the Average Salary of a Family Solicitor?
The average salary for a Family Solicitor in private practice in the UK is £64,000 per year. However, this figure can vary depending on several factors such as experience, location, and the size of the law firm.
A Family Solicitor, who specialises in legal issues related to families, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption, may earn a salary within this range or slightly above depending on their level of experience and the location of the law firm.
In London, for example, the average salary for a Family Solicitor can range from £40,000 to £80,000 per year, while in other parts of the UK, the average salary may be lower, around £30,000 to £50,000 per year.
However, salaries can also vary depending on the type of law firm or organisation that employs the Family Solicitor, with larger firms generally offering higher salaries than smaller ones.
Who Employs a Family Solicitor?
A Family Solicitor can be employed by a variety of different organisations and individuals; these include law firms and government agencies such as legal aid and non-profit organisations.
Family Solicitors may also be employed directly by private individuals, such as couples seeking to adopt a child, parents in a custody dispute or someone looking for a prenuptial agreement.
In addition to these, Family Solicitors may also work in-house for large corporations or businesses that have a need for legal services related to family law. Essentially anyone seeking legal advice on family law would employ a Family Solicitor.
What Skills Does a Family Solicitor Need?
Key skills of a Family Solicitor include:
- Negotiating skills.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Up to date knowledge of family law and practice.
- Strong research skills.
- Work well in a team and independently.
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
- Analytical and problem solving skills.
- Empathy with the ability to manage emotional situations while remaining professional.
- IT skills.
- Ability to multitask and work to deadlines.
- Resilience and confidence.
- Flexible.
- Time management skills.
- Attention to detail, ensuring all legal documents are accurate and complete.
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