Your new company / new role Our client is searching for a proactive, experienced lawyer to join their Matrimonial Team as a Solicitor/Associate. You will support the Partners in their provision of a varied range of family legal services, acting for clients across the North East region. You will be joining a supportive firm that prides itself on its core values; they are a leading force in the region, with national reach and exceptional expertise that delivers high-quality, tailored solutions for their clients. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: - Manage a varied caseload of family law matters, including divorce, financial remedies (including high-net-worth cases), private children matters, cohabitation disputes, and nuptial agreements Provide clear, practical legal advice and take detailed client instructions tailored to individual circumstances Draft high-quality legal documentation, including pleadings and agreements, aligned to client objectives Represent clients in in-person negotiations with litigants and other professionals to achieve favourable outcomes Conduct advocacy, attend court hearings, and ensure compliance with court procedures and deadlines Build and maintain strong client relationships, contributing to business development through networking and training initiatives Supervise and support junior team members, including trainees, paralegals, and legal support staff where appropriate Stay updated with legal developments and undertake ongoing professional development to maintain expertise What you'll need to succeed Ideally, our client would like you to possess: A minimum of 2 years PQE, with strong experience across a full range of family and matrimonial matters, including advocacy A proven track record of advising on divorce, financial remedy, and private Children Act cases Sound legal knowledge with the proactive ability to deliver accurate work in a straightforward and timely manner under pressure and in accordance with tight deadlines Strong business development skills and the ability to develop new client work Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a clear and logical approach Concise planning skills, being highly organised and possessing the ability to manage workload independently with a professional resilience and positive approach What you'll get in return Excellent hybrid working arrangements (40% / 60%) 25 days of paid holiday (increases with continuous length of service to 28 days, 5 days extra can also be bought) Workplace pension offering up to 6% matched contribution Performance-based bonus schemes - both firm and personal Life assurance at 4x annual salary Occupational Sick Pay Scheme Private medical insurance, dental insurance & critical illness cover Subsidised city centre parking / annual travel ticket loans Discounted memberships, voucher offers, and cashback rewards Access to 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme - includes free Headspace subscription What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Alternatively, email or call us now on 013 200 3717. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays