Head of Family Law

Background

Established in 2015, Williams Barristers and Solicitors is a dynamic and growing firm practising in the areas of Family Law, Wills and Estates, and Criminal Law.

With a strong collaborative culture, recognising that our firm is more than just the sum of its parts, we work together to encourage and support the individual development of practitioners within our team.

Our clients and the relationship we have with them are central to what sets us apart from others. The successful applicant is expected to have the ability to quickly establish a strong rapport with clients so as to enable the provision of sound advice in often difficult circumstances.

We provide a secure and enjoyable working environment, build lasting professional relationships and focus on a high quality service.

Role and Responsibility

The Head of Family Law position is expected to provide leadership and management in the family law section of the practice including leadership for any junior solicitor practicing in the family law area. The role requires a forward-thinking and innovative person able to challenge and make improvements to the service we provide.

As a member of our collaborative team, it is expected that the successful applicant will contribute to and draw upon the collective experience and knowledge of the team.

Responsibilities include:-

· Providing sound legal advice to clients based on experience and up to date knowledge with the expectation that appropriate research and/or advice will be sought in case of any uncertainty;

· Exhibiting exceptional skills advocating for clients in Court as well as in other Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums such as private mediation, family dispute resolution conferences and court-based conferences.

· Mentoring, training and developing the skills and experience of Junior solicitors.

· Maintaining up to date knowledge in relation to relevant cases and applicable changes in the law and court procedures through independent research and regular attendance at education CPD events;

· Demonstrating attention to detail and skill in drafting court documents and correspondence in a concise and persuasive manner;

· Being available and responsive to clients and other team members;

· Managing a large case load including delegating appropriately to ensure timely progression of matters and avoid any unnecessary delays within the practitioner's control;

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Maintaining accurate and up to date billing and ensuring that adequate funds are in trust to cover work undertaken on each matter at all times;

· Maintaining accurate and appropriate files including preparation and retention of contemporaneous file notes, correspondence and court attendance slips;

· Exploring and advising clients in relation to alternative dispute resolution options where appropriate;

· Representing the firm and upholding our standards and established reputation in a professional and competent manner;

· Engaging with clients, colleagues, members of the Judiciary and court staff in a professional and courteous manner;

· Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with key stake holders and sources of referral;

· Not engaging in a manner that is unnecessarily adversarial and ensuring adherence to the 'Best Practice Guidelines for Family Law Practitioners' and the South Australian Practitioner's Conduct Rules;

· Contributing to the marketing and promotion of the Firm including preparation and presentation of CPD events where required;

· Attendance and participation at networking events for the profession;

· Maintaining and building upon the firms pre existing precedent base;

· Identify potential opportunities for innovation and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the firm's operations; and

· Drafting relevant and compelling content for publication on the Firm's website and social media platforms.

Specific Skills and Expertise

· Tertiary qualification in law, and holder of current Australian legal practising certificate.

· Detailed understanding of the Australian family law system and processes.

· At least five (5) years' experience in Family Law, demonstrating the development of skills, experience, and knowledge.

· Significant experience in the provision of legal advice in the area of family law and related areas demonstrating the development of skills, experience and knowledge in the field.

· Highly developed and demonstrated communication (verbal and in writing) skills, with a particular emphasis on developing effective working relationships with a diverse range of people and professionals.

· Strong leadership and mentoring skills.

· Effective Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

· High levels of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion

· Strong organisation skills to enable the management of deadlines and competing priorities

· Technical proficiency to operate IT systems relevant to practice areas.

·  Driver's Licence

Salary

FTE $160,000.00 to $180,000 depending on experience.

Flexible Work arrangements and part-time options may be negotiated.