Job Description

Job Title:

Family & Children Law Solicitor / Family Law Lead

Location:

Southampton, Hampshire

Contract:

Fulltime, permanent

Salary:

45-55k

Due to continued growth, Leonard Solicitors LLP is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Family and Children Law Solicitor to lead our Family Department. This is a senior role with real influence over the direction of a small team and the service we provide to vulnerable clients and families across the Solent and beyond.

The role

As our

Family Law Lead

, you will:

Lead and supervise a team (currently two family law trainees and one paralegal). Manage a mixed caseload of

public law children

, care proceedings,

private children matters

, and wider family law issues such as

divorce

,

domestic abuse

, and

financial remedies

. Take primary responsibility for complex and sensitive cases, including those involving local authorities and vulnerable clients. Represent clients at court and in negotiations, providing clear, robust advocacy. Oversee file management, compliance and quality standards within the department, including legal aid requirements. Contribute to business development, networking and growth strategy for family and children law work.

About you

We are looking for a solicitor who is ready to step into (or continue in) a Head of Department role within our small legal practice and help shape a respected team. You will have:

Minimum 3 years' PQE in family, childcare and public law children.

Membership of the Family Law Accreditation

(or willing to work towards it) - highly desirable. Strong

advocacy

skills and experience handling

complex, sensitive matters

, often involving children and vulnerable parties.

In-depth knowledge of Legal Aid regulations and procedures

(essential), ideally experience within a firm holding a family legal aid contract. Excellent

case management

, organisation and attention to detail. A

collaborative, proactive working style

with the confidence to lead, mentor and develop others. Strong

client care skills

, with a calm, empathetic approach and clear, practical communication. A genuine commitment to maintaining high professional standards and contributing to a positive team culture.

What we offer

A senior leadership role within a small,

multi-accredited, well-established firm

serving the Solent area since 1990.

A supportive, close-knit environment with direct access to partners and cross-departmental collaboration.

The opportunity to shape and grow key department, influencing strategy, processes and culture. Exposure to a varied, meaningful caseload across public and private family law. 45,000 - 55,000 annual salary dependant on experience (negotiable) 20 days holiday per annum working up to 25 plus bank holidays (negotiable)

Who we are - Leonard Solicitors LLP

Leonard Solicitors LLP is a relatively small, multi-accredited law firm with offices in Southampton & Bournemouth, providing trusted legal advice across the Solent region for over 30 years.

Our Family Law Department is known for:

Compassionate, practical advice during what is often the most stressful period in a client's life. A strong commitment to access to justice, including holding a family law legal aid contract. Tailored, bespoke support with clear, realistic guidance rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
As a firm, our values are:

Believe in People:

We invest in our people with hands-on mentoring, support and clear progression so everyone has the chance to grow.

First Class Service:

We work hard to provide the best possible legal service and build strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients.

Integrity & Respect:

Everyone, from support staff to partners, is an ambassador for the firm. We act with honesty, professionalism and always in our clients' best interests.

Keep it Simple:

We explain the law in plain English. Our role is to untangle complexity and give clear, practical advice that clients can act on.

Innovate:

We use modern systems and technology to make legal services more accessible and efficient, and we are open to new ideas and better ways of working.

Teamwork & Diversity:

We value our strong family ethos and the fact that our people come from all walks of life. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV with a short introduction about yourself and how you meet the criteria to:

Lee Ann Harvey
leeann.harvey@leonardsolicitors.co.uk
023 8023 4433

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00-55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime On-site parking Sick pay Work from home
Licence/Certification:

Practising Certificate (required)
Work Location: In person