Job Description
Domestic Abuse Solicitor NQ 1-2 years
Watford, Herts.
c£35,000 - £50,000
Job Purpose
To provide specialist legal advice, representation, and advocacy to survivors of domestic abuse across a range of protective injunction matters — including Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders, and related family proceedings.
The postholder will independently manage a varied caseload, ensuring the highest standards of client care and compliance with Legal Aid Agency and SRA regulations. This role requires a sensitive, trauma-informed approach and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
The Domestic Abuse Solicitor will also contribute to the development of junior team members, represent clients in court, and actively support the department’s growth through outreach, client engagement, and community partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
Client Work & Case Management
* Provide legal advice, assistance, and representation to survivors of domestic abuse.
* Take detailed client instructions with empathy and professionalism, adopting a
* trauma-informed approach.
* Manage a caseload of domestic abuse matters, including emergency and complex
* cases.
* Prepare, issue, and manage urgent court applications (Non-Molestation Orders,
* Occupation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, etc.).
* Draft witness statements, court bundles, and all supporting documentation in
* accordance with legal and procedural requirements.
* Conduct advocacy at hearings where appropriate.
* Liaise with courts, police, support organisations, and third parties to progress matters
* efficiently.
* Ensure all Legal Aid applications are completed accurately and submitted promptly
* via CCMS, including emergency applications.
* Comply with file management, billing, and time-recording requirements.
* Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safeguarding policies at all times.
Teamwork & Supervision
* Collaborate closely with colleagues, paralegals, and administrative staff to deliver
* seamless client service.
* Provide guidance and supervision to paralegals, delegating appropriate tasks where
* necessary.
* Participate in team meetings, training, and case discussions.
* Contribute to creating a positive, supportive, and inclusive team culture.
* Professional Development & Compliance
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of domestic abuse and family law, including relevant
* legislation and case law.
* Ensure compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Code of Conduct
* and Legal Aid Agency requirements.
* Engage in supervision and continuous professional development activities.
* Assist in developing internal best practice standards and contribute to quality
* assurance processes.
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales (NQ – 1- 2 years PQE).
* Experience in family law and domestic abuse casework (including pre-qualification
* experience).
* Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency procedures and CCMS.
* Proven ability to manage a caseload of domestic abuse or family law matters.
* Experience attending and conducting advocacy at hearings desirable.
* Excellent drafting, negotiation, and case management skills.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
For more information and to apply please send your CV