Family Law Practitioner - Somerset - 3+ Years PQE

Family Law Practitioner - Somerset - 3+ Years PQE
Location: Somerset (Midsomer Norton office)
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £45,000 to £80,000 (depending on experience)
Start Date: (ASAP)

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven practitioner to really grow an already thriving area and make the department their own. A well established Somerset law firm is seeking a qualified Family Law Practitioner to join its expanding Family Department. Following a recent merger and upcoming retirements within the team, this is a key strategic hire with genuine long term progression opportunities, including future partnership prospects.

The Role
You'll be responsible for supporting and developing a busy family law caseload, including:

• Managing a full range of family matters: childcare, financial disputes, and matrimonial work
• Handling cases independently from initial instruction through to conclusion
• Preparing and amending legal documents
• Conducting legal research and maintaining up to date legal competence
• Managing client interactions by phone, email, and in person
• Opening new files, issuing correspondence, providing quotes, and archiving completed matters
• Liaising with courts and handling court administration
• Supporting colleagues and collaborating across departments
• Assisting with referral work, outreach, and business development as the department grows

Candidate Requirements
This role is suited to a solicitor or CILEx Legal Executive with:

• Minimum 3 years PQE and litigation rights (or readiness to apply)
• Strong experience across a broad range of family law matters
• Ability to supervise trainees, mentor junior staff, and support team expansion
• Confidence managing an independent caseload
• A commercially aware, proactive, and client focused approach
• Excellent communication skills and a professional, approachable manner
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a high street, client facing environment

Team & Structure

• Small, close knit team
• Supporting one main fee earner's caseload initially
• Previous job share team members retiring
• Short term locum support may be used, but the goal is a long term permanent hire
• Department expected to grow significantly post merger
• Opportunity to take on team management responsibilities as the department expands

Work & Client Base

• No legal aid work (contract ended)
• Matters span Somerset and surrounding areas, including Bath, Bristol, Wells, agricultural clients, and high net worth individuals
• Strong referral network and growing geographical reach

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Christmas and New Year office closure
• Birthday gift day
• Bonus structure
• Opportunities for professional development and internal progression
• Hybrid working available, with strong emphasis on in person client interaction

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm (1 hour lunch)

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Olivia Reed
Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761

The firm is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Adjustments to the recruitment process can be made to support individual needs.

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*