Legal Adviser, Family

Legal Adviser, Family

Our client is seeking a Legal Adviser with 4+ years PQE for our well-respected Family team for a 1 year fixed term contract.  You will have a relevant professional qualification and experience in a range of private Family law areas including divorce, financial remedy, pre/post nuptial agreements, Children Act proceedings, TOLATA and cohabitation agreements.  A qualification in collaborative law and/or mediation would be beneficial but is not essential.

This role is to be based in our East Sussex based office, working closely with the busy Family team and the wider department. You will be managing instructions from existing clients and dealing with new clients from introduction to matter conclusion.

Excellent business development and networking skills are essential in order to participate actively in seeking new business, building relationships with potential clients, contacts and referrers and developing the firm as a whole.

A high standard of interpersonal and communication skills is vital, especially in the context of client care and we are looking for someone who has a positive and friendly manner in dealing with clients and colleagues.  Please see the job description for further details.

Key Tasks 

• At all times to exercise high standards of client care in a professional and pleasant manner
• To ensure that all client work is processed correctly and expeditiously and that the client is kept regularly informed of progress and costs
• To achieve agreed financial targets, both in respect of fee income and the recording of chargeable hours
• To maintain good professional working relationships with external institutions and organisations
• To adhere to agreed practice and procedure as determined from time to time, including Quality Standards and Service Level Agreement
• Through training and other means to keep fully up to date with relevant legislation and practice
• In conjunction with the firm, to comply with the relevant training requirements of the Law Society and to assist with in-house training as may be required
• In liaison with the Head of Department (and other Partners), to be active in promoting the services of the firm, its image and ethos
• To assist in the development of new products and service opportunities
• To be familiar with and to comply with Solicitors Accounts Rules and the Rules on the Professional Conduct of Solicitors and the firm’s Office Manual
• To actively seek ways to contribute to the continuing development of the firm
• To meet requirements for CPD and contribute towards training and development initiatives as required
• To supervise, support  and help develop other legal advisers and support staff
• To provide advice and training to the team in a positive and motivating manner to achieve excellent performance
• To provide coaching and learning opportunities as appropriate for new and existing members of the team
• To ensure excellent communication with individuals across the team and firm
• To conduct performance reviews and probationary reviews if required and to follow up with any actions arising from this activity

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour Required (Person Specification) 

• Legal Adviser with 4+ years PQE
• Ideally, to have Accredited Resolution and/or Accredited Mediator status and/or collaborative law accreditation, but this is not essential
• Competent in the firm’s computer facilities and other systems as appropriate
• To develop leadership skills and the ability to optimise team performance
• Able to learn and work to the firm’s procedures and processes to the highest standard
• High standard of interpersonal and communication skills, especially in the context of client care and people management
• To have special regard for the needs and interests of any member of the department
• Ability to be proactive and work under own initiative
• Pleasant and positive manner in dealing with colleagues, clients and direct reports
• Flexibility and willingness to provide support as required to Partners and staff within the department
• Ability to plan, organise and delegate to achieve the team’s/department’s workload
• Ability to be a positive role model and lead the team by example
• Flexible and willing to work at or travel to any of our offices as and when reasonably required