Job Description
Family Associate/Associate Partner
To work in Sale and Manchester, presence across both office spaces with the opportunity to work flexibly.
Slater Heelis is a leading full-service law firm with a rich history of providing exceptional legal services to clients across the UK. Based in Manchester, we are known for our client-centric approach, professional integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
Key Responsibilities
* Client Management & Casework
* Manage a caseload of private family law matters, including divorce, financial remedy, cohabitation disputes, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and private children matters.
* Maintain excellent communication with clients, providing clear, compassionate, and commercially sound advice throughout.
* Tailor your approach to meet the individual needs of clients, often in emotionally sensitive or high-conflict situations.
* Attend court hearings and conferences with counsel where required and represent clients effectively in negotiations and dispute resolution processes.
Legal Expertise & Compliance
* Stay up to date with developments in family law, case law, and procedural rules to ensure the highest standards of legal advice and representation.
* Ensure all work complies with SRA regulations, Law Society guidelines, and the firm’s internal compliance and risk management procedures.
* Take responsibility for your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and proactively seek out training and development opportunities.
* File & Risk Management
* Ensure all files are maintained in accordance with firm procedures and quality standards.
* Progress matters efficiently, with a high level of organisation and attention to detail.
* Handle matters in a way that minimises risk to both the client and the firm, including appropriate record-keeping and confidentiality protocols.
* Financial & Performance Management
* Record chargeable time accurately and in a timely manner.
* Achieve individual fee-earning targets, billing objectives, and cash flow goals.
* Support the financial health of the department through timely billing and effective management of client funds and WIP.
Business Development & Networking
* Contribute to the growth of the Family Law department by building strong client relationships and nurturing existing referrer contacts.
* Take part in marketing and networking activities, including seminars, webinars, and local events, to raise the profile of the firm and department.
* Look for opportunities to cross-refer work within the firm and identify potential areas for service development.
* Teamwork & Team Development
* Support and collaborate with colleagues across the Family team and wider firm.
* Assist with mentoring junior lawyers, trainees, or paralegals where appropriate, fostering a supportive and inclusive team culture.
* Attend team meetings and contribute ideas for improving departmental processes, client service, and overall performance.
* Act as a positive ambassador for the Family department and the wider firm.
* Maintain high standards of professional conduct in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and external parties.
* Promote the firm’s values, client-focused ethos, and commitment to excellence.
What we are looking for:
* Empathy and emotional intelligence – a sensitive and thoughtful approach to clients experiencing distressing circumstances.
* Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and tactfully.
* Professionalism and discretion – a commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and ethical practice.
* Commercial awareness – an understanding of the business context of legal services and the importance of client satisfaction.
* Attention to detail – a meticulous approach to documentation, deadlines, and client matters.
* Time management and organisation – the ability to prioritise a busy caseload and meet deadlines efficiently.
* Proactivity and initiative – someone who takes ownership of tasks and drives matters forward independently.
* Team orientation – a collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to team success.
* Resilience and composure – remaining calm and professional under pressure or in emotionally charged situations.
* Commitment to continuous improvement – a drive to develop professionally and contribute to the evolution of the department.
The extras
* Flexible time off - 27 days annual leave plus 1 day for birthday and 8 Bank holidays. We also offer an additional day annual leave for your 3-, 5- & 10-year anniversary.
* A competitive pension scheme
* Income Protection
* Life Assurance
* Cycle to work scheme
* Healthcare cash plan
* Private Medical Insurance
* Hybrid Working
* A benefits portal enabling you to purchase an array of other benefits via salary sacrifice, such as, expanded partnerships with 1000+ gyms, the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave, season ticket loans, and travel insurance amongst other attractive perks.
Please contact Layla Jackson at Lawfront - layla,jackson@lawfront.com if you wish to apply or would like any further information.