Overview
Forbes Solicitors are looking for a Solicitor to join the Public Family Team at our Blackburn, Northgate office.
This is a full-time role working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Hybrid working arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements.
Responsibilities
* Dealing with a mix of Public Law Family matters (Childcare matters including care proceedings, child protection and special guardianships)
* Attending Court hearings for a wide variety of family proceedings
* Provision of written and verbal legal advice
* Communications with clients, opponents, Courts/Tribunals and third parties to progress files
* Supporting other Family advisers on their own cases, and the delivery of the departmental strategy and business objectives
* Management, supervision, training, coaching and mentoring of Paralegals to facilitate business objectives and professional development
* Ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements including ISO:9001, SRA Principles / Code of Conduct, Court & Tribunal deadlines
* Monitoring and reporting on own financial and business performance to deliver work profitably
* Contributing towards internal continuous improvement, innovation and knowledge sharing
* Inter-departmental support and collaboration on joint files, projects and events
* Contributing to the development of the departmental business plan
* Building positive relationships with current/prospective clients and enhancing the Firm’s profile
* Contributing to business development including training events, articles/newsletters, and Chambers & Legal 500 submissions
The Person
Essential
* Be a qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive (or equivalent), ideally 2 years PQE
* Previous experience of working with Childcare matters and court proceedings
* Previous experience within a childcare family department
* Experience with CCMS and processing their own applications
* Good client care skills, providing professional and competent legal advice in accordance with SRA Code of Conduct
* Proven experience of handling own caseload, working to and managing deadlines, alongside the capability to generate fees in accordance with agreed targets
* Align with the Firm's values
* Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
* Ability to work as part of a team
* Strong commercial awareness
* Proven IT skills (Outlook, Word, and other systems)
* Good communication skills, both written and verbal
* Interest in long-term development/progression in the department
Desirable
* Experience in own advocacy is an advantage
The Firm
At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for genuine, practical advice and delivering exceptional service. We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and to be ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
We are a values-led Firm and seek people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork.
Benefits
* 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays
* Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to T&Cs)
* Celebration leave
* Ongoing professional development
* Progression opportunities
* Company pension
* Profit share scheme
* Long service awards
* Subsidised tuck shops
* Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services)
* BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependants)
* Retailer and gym membership discounts
* Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to T&Cs)
* Annual Events
Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer and accredited to Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We support equal opportunities and are committed to maintaining a workforce reflecting the local community.
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