Domestic Abuse Solicitor (NQ–2 PQE)
Salary: £35,000–£50,000
Location: Watford
Legal Aid + Advocacy Exposure
Join our client, a well‑established regional law firm, in a role where your work has immediate, meaningful impact. This is an opportunity to build a specialist career in domestic abuse and protective injunction work, with hands‑on responsibility, supportive supervision, and real court exposure from the outset.
You will manage a varied caseload supporting vulnerable clients through urgent and sensitive matters, while developing your technical capability in Legal Aid, CCMS, and family injunction proceedings.
The Role (What you’ll be doing)
You will take ownership of a domestic abuse caseload, providing advice, representation and advocacy across a range of family and protective injunction matters.
Key responsibilities include:
* Managing a caseload of domestic abuse and related family matters, including urgent/emergency cases
* Preparing and issuing applications including Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders, and related proceedings (e.g., Prohibited Steps Orders)
* Drafting witness statements, court documentation, and bundles to a high standard
* Conducting advocacy at hearings where appropriate (or supporting counsel where required)
* Liaising with courts, police, support agencies and third parties to progress matters efficiently
* Completing Legal Aid applications via CCMS, including emergency applications
* Maintaining excellent file management, time recording, billing compliance and confidentiality at all times
Client Care and Approach
This role requires a calm, professional manner and a commitment to best practice when supporting vulnerable clients.
You’ll be expected to:
* Take detailed instructions sensitively and professionally
* Work in a trauma-informed way, maintaining strong boundaries and clear communication
* Deliver a consistently high standard of client care under time pressure
Teamwork, Supervision and Department Growth
You’ll work closely with colleagues and support staff to ensure a seamless service and contribute to a positive team culture.
Depending on experience, you may also:
* Support and guide paralegals by delegating appropriate tasks
* Participate in team meetings, training and case discussionsContribute to outreach, community links and wider departmental development
Requirements (What we’re looking for)
To be considered, you should have:
* Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
* NQ to 2 years’ PQE (or equivalent post‑qualification experience)
* UK-based family law experience, including domestic abuse/injunction matters (pre‑qualification experience welcomed)
* Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency processes and CCMS
* Confidence managing a caseload with urgency, sensitivity and strong attention to detail
* Strong drafting skills (statements, applications, bundles) and sound procedural knowledge
* Competence with Microsoft Office and legal case management systems
Desirable (not essential):
* Advocacy experience at hearings
* Experience supervising/mentoring paralegals or trainees
* Additional language skills
* Community outreach/public engagement experience
Salary, Location and Working Arrangements
* Salary: £35,000–£50,000 (dependent on experience)
* Location: Watford (details of hybrid/office expectations to be confirmed at shortlist stage)
* Role type: Permanent
Benefits (Beyond hybrid working)
A full benefits package will be confirmed by our client, but the role typically offers the kind of advantages candidates value in a specialist practice environment, including:
* Structured supervision and support to develop your domestic abuse/injunction expertise
* Advocacy exposure and court experience to build confidence quickly
* Clear progression opportunities within a growing team
* A collaborative environment with a strong focus on quality and client care
* Ongoing training and CPD aligned to Legal Aid and family law developments
Apply / Enquire (Confidential)
If you’re a Domestic Abuse / Family Solicitor (NQ–2 PQE) looking to deepen your experience in protective injunction work and Legal Aid, I’d welcome a confidential conversation.
David Hawthorne‑Finch
Hawthorne‑Finch Talent Solutions Ltd (H-FTS)
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
Confidentiality: All applications and enquiries will be handled in strict confidence.
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