Family Law Solicitor
What is a family law solicitor?
A family law solicitor is someone who provides legal advice and representation in cases related to family matters. They specialize in areas such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence.
What does a family law solicitor do?
Usually, a family law solicitor does the following:
- Advises clients on their legal rights and options in family-related matters
- Represents clients in court hearings and negotiations
- Drafts legal documents, such as divorce petitions and child custody agreements
- Conducts legal research to support clients' cases
- Provides emotional support and guidance to clients during difficult family situations
What does the day-to-day life of a family law solicitor look like?
A family law solicitor usually works between 9am and 5pm, though they may need to work longer hours when preparing for court hearings or dealing with urgent matters. They spend their days:
- Meeting with clients to discuss their cases and provide legal advice
- Researching applicable laws and legal precedents
- Drafting legal documents and correspondences
- Attending court hearings and negotiating with opposing parties
- Keeping up with changes in family law through continuous professional development
Where does a family law solicitor work?
Family law solicitors work in law firms that specialize in family law. These firms may vary in size, from small practices to large firms with multiple offices. Some solicitors may choose to work independently and have their own private practice. Most family law solicitors are based in urban areas, where they can easily access courts and other legal resources.
What tools/software does a family law solicitor use?
A family law solicitor uses various tools and software to assist them in their work, including:
- Legal research databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw
- Case management software to organize and track client cases and documents
- Word processing software for drafting legal documents and correspondences
- Communication tools like email and video conferencing to communicate with clients and other legal professionals
What do I need to become a family law solicitor?
To become a family law solicitor in the UK, you need to follow these steps:
- Bachelor's degree: You must have an undergraduate degree in law (LLB) or a non-law degree followed by a conversion course (Graduate Diploma in Law).
- Legal Practice Course (LPC): After obtaining your law degree, you need to complete the LPC, which is a vocational course that focuses on practical legal skills.
- Training Contract: Once you've completed the LPC, you must secure a two-year training contract with a law firm. During this training period, you will gain practical experience in various areas of law, including family law.
- Qualification: After successfully completing your training contract, you can apply to become a qualified solicitor and be admitted to the Law Society of England and Wales.
What career paths are available?
There are several career paths available to family law solicitors, including:
- Senior Family Law Solicitor: With experience and a successful track record, you can progress to a senior solicitor position within a law firm. Senior solicitors often have more complex and high-value cases.
- Partner: Some family law solicitors may aspire to become a partner in a law firm. As a partner, you would have a share in the firm's profits and play a role in managing the business.
- Family Law Barrister: After gaining experience as a solicitor, you can choose to qualify as a barrister and advocate in court on behalf of clients. This requires further training and passing the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and pupillage.
What jobs are similar to a family law solicitor?
- Mediator: Mediators help couples resolve disputes outside of court by facilitating negotiations and finding mutually acceptable solutions.
- Legal Aid Lawyer: Legal aid lawyers provide legal advice and representation to clients who are unable to afford to pay for legal services.
- Child Advocate: Child advocates work to protect the best interests of children in legal proceedings, such as custody battles or care proceedings.
Are you a family law solicitor? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to family law. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.