Overview
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals and over 600 staff based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client. We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday ranked us as the 6th best law firm to work at in 2026. We are committed to delivering our ESG objectives and value diversity with female partners comprising 42% of our partnership.
The Family team at Birketts is a highly successful and entrepreneurial group, growing with the firm. We are proud to have one of the most respected and dedicated family law teams, comprising 8 partners and 26 fee earners, including mediators, financial/children arbitrators, and 6 One Couple One Lawyer practitioners. The team operates as a single, collaborative unit across all locations and is known for an innovative, supportive, and inclusive culture. We were named Best Family Workplace of the Year 2024 by LexisNexis.
The work you will be doing
This is a rare opportunity to join Birketts’ growing Family Team in Bristol at a pivotal moment in our expansion. You will work directly with leading lawyers who are nationally and internationally recognised in their fields, gaining hands-on experience from day one. You will have the opportunity to work closely with Will MacFarlane, a Spears recommended practitioner with significant international practice, and with Sarah Dodds, a specialist in children matters. The Bristol office will shortly welcome a new partner joining at the end of April, bringing further depth and energy as we continue our growth strategy in the South West. You will be supported to develop your technical skills, client confidence and professional profile, with genuine opportunities for progression within a leading UK firm.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Managing your own caseload with appropriate delegation to trainees and paralegals.
* Supporting the Team Head and senior team members on complex and high-value matters.
* Delivering outstanding client service, including direct client engagement and expectation management.
* Monitoring and managing budgets and fees effectively.
* Contributing to business development initiatives and helping to grow the team’s profile and client base.
Note: this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties; you may be required to take on additional responsibilities as directed by your line manager.
What we are looking for
The ideal candidate will have a strong technical understanding of family law, with the ability to think commercially and analytically. They will be adept at delivering accurate, practical, and tailored advice to corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals, and open to occasional travel to London for conferences, hearings and meetings. A genuine interest in business development and a proactive approach to contributing to the team’s growth are highly valued.
Requirements include NQ to 4 PQE gained within a strong regional, national or city firm with experience in some or all of the following areas:
* Divorce
* Financial cases including court proceedings
* Nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements
* Child arrangements cases including court proceedings
* International cases (languages not essential but helpful, particularly French)
* Modern families (surrogacy, adoption, fertility law)
* Alternative dispute resolution experience if possible but not essential
We are committed to professional development and encourage regular, open dialogue between team members and supervisors to support career aspirations. Every team member is paired with a buddy to help monitor work allocation and provide day-to-day support.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious family lawyer to join a thriving team within a growing firm that has an excellent reputation and offers genuine long-term career prospects.
Birketts has designed a Talent Management Framework to develop, retain and reward talent. As a Solicitor, we typically expect 0-3 years PQE; as an Associate, 3-6 years PQE. PQE guidance is not determinative; applicants are considered on individual merit.
Hybrid Working
We welcome applications from people seeking flexible and agile roles and are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Benefits
As a Birketts colleague, you will be eligible for a wide range of benefits:
* 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
* Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years of service
* Private Healthcare with BUPA (after probation)
* Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% employee)
* Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
* Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
* Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
* Paid CSR Day
* Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
* Subsidised gym membership
* Electric car scheme
* Dress for your Day Policy
You can find out more on our website: https://www.birketts.co.uk/recognition-reward-benefits/
Inclusivity and Culture
Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We are an inclusive organisation that promotes equality of opportunity for all, with selection based on individual merit. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates.
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