Head of Family Department/Fee Earner

About This Role

1. Main Purpose

To conduct and be responsible for law matters concerning families, young people and children and to provide legal advice, assistance and representation to clients.

2. Lines of Responsibility

Job holder is accountable to Graeme Brown – Managing Partner

Job holder is responsible for a Family Executive and Family Assistant

3. Key Responsibilities

i. To conduct casework in compliance with LAA & SRA requirements including:

a. Meeting with clients to take instructions

b. Providing quality legal advice to clients

c. Correctly assessing eligibility for and applying for legal aid

d. Liaising with clients, counsel, experts, court and any other involved parties

e. Drafting case documents – advice letters, instructions to counsel and experts, funding documents & case plans

f. Billing privately paying clients

g. Ensure a high standard of file keeping

h. Reviewing and monitoring costs

i. File audits and reviews

ii. To provide supervision and advice to the Family Executive

iii. Accurate recording of both chargeable and non-chargeable time

iv. Compliance with office policies and procedures and the use of standard systems and templates.

v. Keeping the client updated throughout the process.

4. Personal Specification

i. Qualifications

Qualified legal executive, licensed conveyancer, solicitor or QBE

ii. Skills

Good all round IT skills – Microsoft office – word, excel etc.

Working knowledge of case management systems, diaries and tasks.

Excellent communication skills

iii. Personal Qualities

Self-motivated, enthusiastic and committed

Self-confident, reliable and conscientious with good attention to detail.

Smart and professional dress and demeanour.