Undertake the work ordinarily expected of a qualified Solicitor (Level 3/4 of the SRA Competency Statement) practising in Family Law with sufficient skill, care and competence. Conduct meetings with new and existing clients in person, by telephone and via video conference, ensuring a compassionate and professional experience. Maintain full responsibility for the conduct of client matters, including drafting correspondence and pleadings, attending hearings and conferences, instructing Counsel and ensuring matters progress efficiently. Ensure all time is recorded accurately at the appropriate fee rate and within agreed cost estimates. Keep clients regularly informed regarding fees and obtain sufficient monies on account before incurring third party costs. Work proactively with clients and the KJS Accounts Team in managing client debt and securing third-party funding where appropriate. Endeavour to attract additional business from new and existing clients, promoting the KJS brand while treating clients fairly and maintaining accurate chargeable time records.
Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management, performance and compliance of the branch office. Lead, motivate and develop the office team, creating a supportive, high-performing and collaborative working environment. Provide clear supervision, mentoring and guidance to junior fee earners and support staff, ensuring quality, accuracy and timeliness of work. Work with the KJS Management Team to plan branch objectives aligned with firm strategy and growth plans. Monitor financial performance of the branch including billing, productivity and debt management, taking appropriate corrective action where required. Ensure the office environment is professional, organised and compliant with Health & Safety requirements. Conduct regular team meetings and contribute positively to firmwide meetings and initiatives. Support recruitment, onboarding and development of new team members within the branch.
Each of our 15 offices has their own branch head who has a wealth of expertise. Our current leaders are Kulbir Rahi, Jen Murray, Robyn Bowyer, Anna Ferro, Arabella Turner, Laura Gusatu, Beth Pettifer, Edward Morton, Eleanor Tanner and Sofie Corbin.
Beth Pettifer heads up our mentorship, offering guidance on anything you may need as you settle in. We support an ecosystem of support to each of our team.
We believe in creating an environment for our lawyers to thrive, we recognise the importance of creating a space where you can create a name for yourself, elevate your profile and achieve our 'client focus' value.
Professional Development: Continuous learning opportunities, mentoring, and career progression pathway
Bespoke Leadership Training Opportunities: on the Emerging Leading Programme to successful applicants within our teams
Work-Life Balance: Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to help you balance your professional and personal life
Wellbeing: A comprehensive wellbeing programme to support your mental and physical health
Community: A workplace culture that values diversity, knowledge-sharing, innovation, collaboration, reward and celebration
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Thank you for your application. We appreciate your interest in KJ Smith and we will be in touch shortly should we wish to progress your application.
We’re recognised by the Legal 500 as a Leading Firm in a number of practice areas. That means that an external, objective body has scrutinised our competency and client reviews, and found us to be one of the top family law practices in the UK.
Our lawyers are members of Resolution, so we are committed to a Code of Practice which promotes a constructive approach to family issues that considers the needs of the whole family.
