Andy File Associates Limited is working as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client with regards this permanent position.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our client as an Associate Solicitor working in their Family Law department based in their Rotherham town centre offices; the role reports into the Head of Family Law, Partner in charge.
Main Purpose of the Job
- To work as part of a team providing legal services in respect of Family Law instructions received from Clients and intermediaries. To communicate with clients, intermediaries and other parties Solicitors as appropriate.
- When appropriate, to deputise for other Fee Earners as directed by the Section Head / Practice Manager.
Key Tasks and Duties
- To carry out the Family Law work in accordance with the agreed section procedures and the agreed services standards. To include, attending clients in the office / at Court or when appropriate at the Client’s accommodation. (With complex matters, supervision will be provided by the Section Head as appropriate)
- To be the primary Fee Earner with the Client during the matter, liaising and updating as appropriate both in person and/or telephone, providing such support in a professional and friendly manner in keeping with the Practice’s Client Care standards.
- To be responsible for the drafting of correspondence / Family legal forms and for your own caseload of files.
- To ensure that the Section Head is made aware of any matters where there is reason to believe that it may lead to a problem or complaint and to regularly update clients as to progress of matters.
- To be responsible for producing own Bill of Costs and statements, as and when appropriate.
- To ensure that all LSC matters are billed promptly at completion and interim if appropriate.
- To ensure that all Private matters are interim billed each month and to ensure that there is sufficient funds on account prior to incurring any work.
- To ensure that telephone calls are dealt with in a professional and friendly manner, that full electronic and/or written telephone notes are taken.
- To be familiar when required with the operation of all relevant IT facilities including Word, Excel, Oyez forms, the Case Management System (and any other IT applications used by the Firm).
- To ensure the confidentiality and security of all Firm and client documentation and information.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- You will be a Qualified Solicitor with Law Degree, LPC and with the ability to work within a managerial position with responsibility for the appraisal and management of other members of staff when appropriate. Preference is to have at least 2 years experience in a Family Law environment or legal processing
- To be competent with the operation of relevant IT facilities including Word, Excel and Outlook. Previous experience of Legal Software desirable but training will be given on the use of the Practice’s database and legal software.
Planning and Organisational Attributes
- To demonstrate organisational and time management skills.
- To be able to demonstrate proactivity and attention to detail.
- Makes a positive contribution to setting their own objectives
- Organised and able to prioritise their work.
- To be able to assist in the planning ahead for predictable peaks or holidays, etc.
Communication Skills and Attributes
- Polite, diplomatic, friendly and patient.
- To demonstrate a natural empathy/affinity with clients, counsel, agents, experts and to have a good telephone manner, with a clear diction.
- Good report writing and written communication skills.
- Can communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Deals promptly and sensitively with difficult situations and people.
- Responds to constructive feedback from Section Head /or team members and takes action to address any behaviours causing a problem.
- To demonstrate the ability to ask for assistance, support and guidance when necessary.
- To demonstrate a willingness to help and assist all members of the teams.
Please note that only candidates with the legal right to work in the UK will be considered for this position. Proof of eligibility will be required at the time of application.