Job Description
Senior Associate - Family SolicitorLocation: Guildford, Surrey (with hybrid working available)Salary: Competitive, based on experienceContract: Full-time, permanent
A top-tier UK law firm is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Associate Family Solicitor to join its highly regarded Guildford-based Family Law team. Known nationally and internationally for handling some of the most high-profile and complex family law cases, the team advises professionals, entrepreneurs, HNW individuals, landowners, and those in the public eye, often on matters with cross-border or jurisdictional elements.
The RoleThis is an outstanding opportunity for a senior lawyer with a strong academic and professional background to work within a Legal 500 and Chambers-ranked team that leads on ground-breaking family law matters across the UK and beyond.
The role will include:
* Advising on a wide range of complex and high-value family law issues including:
o Divorce and civil partnership dissolution
o Financial disputes involving significant assets, trusts, or corporate structures
o Complex children disputes, including international relocation and safeguarding
o Nuptial and cohabitation agreements, including international marital agreements
o Surrogacy, alternative families, and cross-border parenting issues
* Running and managing your own caseload independently
* Supporting partners on major cases involving complex litigation or international elements
* Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, including the team's trainee solicitor
* Engaging in business development and maintaining strong client relationships
The TeamThe family department comprises nationally and internationally recognised lawyers, including six IAFL Fellows, and members holding senior leadership positions in international legal bodies such as the IBA and AIJA. The firm is renowned for its breadth of family dispute resolution expertise-ranging from collaborative law and mediation to robust litigation strategies.
The team also works closely with colleagues in the private client department, advising on tax, trusts, succession, and offshore wealth structuring, delivering a fully integrated service to HNW clients.
The Ideal Candidate
* 7+ years' PQE in family law, with experience at a leading practice
* Proven ability to handle high-value financial cases and complex private law children matters
* Exposure to international family law issues, including jurisdictional disputes and cross-border cases
* A collaborative, strategic thinker with excellent client-handling and negotiation skills
* Previous experience supervising or mentoring junior solicitors or trainees
* A strong academic background and commitment to professional development
Why Apply
* Join a multi-award-winning family law team with international reach and recognition
* Handle intellectually challenging and meaningful work for a prestigious client base
* Benefit from a supportive, progressive environment that encourages career advancement
* Enjoy competitive remuneration and a flexible working culture, including hybrid options
This role offers a rare opportunity for an ambitious senior family solicitor to take the next step in a market-leading team, playing a key role in some of the most complex and sensitive family law matters in the UK and internationally.