We are currently recruiting in our Private Client and Family Departments, details as follows:
Who are we?
Susan Howarth & Co. Solicitors is proud to be an independent, market town practice which was established in 1997 with the belief that everyone has a right to access justice.
With a commitment to deliver the highest quality of service to all clients, we offer high-quality legal advice in Wills, Trusts & Probate incl. Powers of Attorney & Court of Protection, Family Law and Commercial & Residential Property.
Regardless of size and geography, we’ve proved that recognition for expert legal advice, client care and excellence in service delivery can be achieved with the right goals and ambition.
Our expertise is independently recognised, including:
- Ranked as a Band 3 legal practice in the Chambers & Partners UK legal guide
- Directors Susan Howarth and Victoria Poole are both also ranked as Band 3 Notable Practitioners respectively by Chambers & Partners UK
- Ranked as a Band 3 Leading Family Law Firm in The Legal 500 directory
- Susan Howarth ranked as a Leading Individual for 4 consecutive years by the Legal 500 before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023
- Accredited by the Law Society for Wills & Inheritance Quality, Family Law, Children Law & Conveyancing Quality
- Lexcel-accredited for more than 13 years, for excellence in practice management
- Winning Best Family and Childcare Law firm 2022 and 2023 in the AI Legal Awards
- Finalists of the Lexis Nexis Family Law Firm of the Year (North) for 2 consecutive years
We run free weekly Wills, Trusts, LPA & Probate drop-in clinics (no appointment required) every Wednesday 8-9am and 12-1pm, all new Family Law clients are offered a free initial consultation (subject to certain conditions) and we also offer Fixed Fee Family Law Appointments.
We can offer clients in-house family mediation services and we have a specialist Resolution-trained Family Mediator who is also a Resolution-accredited Specialist in Domestic Violence and Children Law (private) and an FMC-accredited Family Mediator (all issues).
Community-focussed and forward-thinking, we pride ourself on our people and promote organic growth.
We adopt a down-to-earth ‘all hands to the pump’ approach to working within the firm, which includes participation in practice marketing and staff events - we’re a friendly office with a family feel and an open-door policy for all.
1. Senior Private Client Solicitor
As Senior Solicitor in the Private Client Department, you will provide a profitable contribution to the work of the department through the achievement of agreed financial and non-financial targets, and will help ensure the successful development of the firm in line with the firm’s business plan and any agreed personal goal plan.
This position will suit individuals who, like us, highly value customer service. With a hands-on, flexible and can-do attitude, applicants should have a proven track record and a team player mentality. The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Managing a case load of Wills, Probate, Power of Attorney and where appropriate Court of Protection and Deputyship, also advising on a range of services for the elderly.
- Maintaining efficient file management in accordance with set procedure and in compliance at all times with Lexcel, Law Society and SRA requirements.
- Achieving of fee earning and time recording targets. as agreed with management.
- Managing business development and marketing responsibilities.
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
- Supervising and mentoring junior members of the Private Client team.
- Maintaining relevant departmental accreditations.
What is required?
We are seeking a Senior Solicitor who ideally has a minimum of 5+ years PQE (ideally with STEP qualification) with substantial experience of handling their own case load, covering all aspects of Private Client Law. This is primarily an office-based position due to the nature of the team set-up, however some flexibility may be considered.
2. Family Law Solicitor (Financial Remedies)
A new exciting opportunity has arisen for a Family Law Solicitor to join our Family Team.
This position will suit individuals who, like us, highly value customer service. With a hands-on, flexible and can-do attitude, applicants should have a proven track record and a team player mentality. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:
- Extensive experience and interest in financial remedy claims.
- Capable of covering a full case load of work to include – financial remedy claims, divorce, civil partnership, pre/post nuptial agreements, separation agreements, cohabitation agreements, TOLATA.
- Experience in court advocacy.
- A panel membership or working towards panel membership (law society advanced panel, resolution accreditation).
- Strong organisational skills with demonstrable, STA and Lexcel procedural compliance.
- Extensive customer service and/or client-facing experience.
- Computer-literacy and experience using Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), Outlook (e-mails, appointment booking etc) and case management systems - additional database knowledge or experience is advantageous.
- Strong time management and prioritization skills
- A professional and confident manner, combined with a personable and approachable attitude.
- A positive, productive and proactive approach to work.
- The ability to use your own initiative and undertake new tasks.
- A willingness to learn and apply new skills.
- A smart and presentable appearance.
- Knowledge of legal aid – preferred but not essential as training can be given.
What is required?
We are seeking a fee earner who ideally has a minimum of 5+ years PQE (although we will consider applicants with 1-3+ years PQE) with previous experience of handling their own case load, covering all aspects of family law and with proven strength and experience with financial remedies. This is primarily an office-based position due to the nature of the team set-up, however some flexibility could be considered.
If you're keen to discuss and explore either of these opportunities, please e-mail your CV to rosiehowarth@susanhowarthsolicitors.co.uk or JaclynHolmes@susanhowarthsolicitors.co.uk .