Family Solicitor (Full time/Part time) at CRA Consulting

Exploring the Family Solicitor Role with CRA Consulting

In the bustling legal recruitment landscape of the United Kingdom, a well-structured opportunity can define a solicitor's early career trajectory. CRA Consulting has announced a vacancy for a Family Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (NQ to 3 years PQE) to join a leading national legal services provider. The role is situated in the Manchester Area but offers hybrid flexibility, with offices in Sheffield, Manchester, Bristol and Stratford-upon-Avon. This is not just a job; it is a doorway into a respected family law department handling privately funded work with a strong emphasis on client care and professional development.

Understanding the Hybrid Working Advantage

One of the most attractive elements of this vacancy is the hybrid working arrangement. The successful candidate is required to attend the office only two days per week, a structure that reflects the modern legal sector's shift toward flexible employment. For legal professionals, this balance can reduce commuting stress while preserving the collaborative benefits of in-person work. The Manchester office is described as modern, with excellent transport links, ensuring that even the office-based days remain convenient and productive.

"This organisation is recognised for its strong reputation in client care, employee wellbeing and collaborative working culture." — CRA Consulting

Inside the Caseload: Divorce, Finance and Private Children Work

The role offers a diverse and intellectually stimulating caseload. The selected Family Solicitor will manage privately funded family law matters from instruction through to completion. Key responsibilities include divorce and separation, financial remedy matters, private children matters, negotiations and settlements, and drafting legal documentation. This breadth ensures that the role holder gains deep exposure to the complexities of family law while building a portfolio of successful client outcomes.

• Divorce and separation proceedings, including advice on process and strategy.
• Financial remedy matters, covering asset division, pensions, and maintenance.
• Private children matters, including arrangements for residence and contact.
• Negotiating settlements and drafting high-quality legal correspondence.

Working closely with colleagues across the wider legal team, the role also provides opportunities to mentor junior team members. For a solicitor at NQ-3 years PQE, this presents an early chance to develop supervisory skills—an asset when aiming for senior associate or partnership roles later in a career.

Who Should Apply? Eligibility and PQE Breakdown

CRA Consulting welcomes applications from qualified Solicitors or Chartered Legal Executives with up to three years' post-qualification experience. Importantly, the ideal candidate must have previous experience handling privately funded family law matters. This distinguishes the role from legal aid-heavy caseloads and suggests a client base that values premium, outcome-focused service.

The organisation is looking for someone who can demonstrate strong client care and communication skills, the ability to manage a caseload independently, excellent organisation and attention to detail, a proactive and commercial approach, and confidence working within a modern case management system. These competencies are essential for thriving in an environment that combines high standards with a supportive culture.

Salary, Perks and Professional Growth

The advertised base pay range is £34,000 to £48,000 per year, dependent on experience. This is typical for a family solicitor at this level in the Manchester market, but the total rewards package adds considerable value. Benefits include bonus and incentive schemes, generous annual leave plus bank holidays, an enhanced pension scheme, ongoing training and career development, and a supportive, collaborative culture. The hybrid model and the availability of multiple office locations provide flexibility that many firms are still struggling to implement.

Professional growth is a clear theme. The role is with a leading national legal services provider, meaning that exposure to a wide network of specialists and a structured career ladder are likely. The opportunity to mentor junior staff and work on quality privately funded cases enhances both technical and leadership skills, making the post highly attractive for ambitious family lawyers.

How to Strengthen Your Application for This Family Solicitor Role

To stand out in a competitive field, applicants should tailor their CV and cover letter to the specific requirements listed. Highlighting private family law experience with measurable outcomes—such as successful financial settlements or complex children arrangements—will capture a recruiter's attention. Demonstrating comfort with case management systems and providing examples of independent caseload management are also vital.

When applying through LinkedIn, ensure your profile is up-to-date, including a professional photograph, a detailed work history, and specific keywords such as “family solicitor,” “financial remedy,” and “private children law.” Since referrals can increase interview chances by 2x, it is wise to connect with employees or recruiters at CRA Consulting, such as Lauren Hopkinson, who is handling the vacancy.

Why This Role Matters for Your Legal Career Trajectory

Joining a national provider as a Family Solicitor is more than a job move—it is a strategic career step. The firm's reputation for client care and employee wellbeing means that the role supports both personal sustainability and professional excellence. The hybrid arrangement allows for a healthy work-life balance, which is particularly important in the emotionally demanding field of family law.

Furthermore, the breadth of work—covering divorce, finance, and private children matters—builds a comprehensive skill set that is highly portable across future positions. The chance to work with senior solicitors and to mentor juniors positions the role as a launchpad for senior associate or partner aspirations. For legal professionals looking to deepen their family law expertise while enjoying modern flexibility, this vacancy deserves attention.

Important Application Details

Interested candidates should apply through the LinkedIn listing. The job posting does not specify a deadline or an application fee; however, the post was listed only 3 days ago, so early application is strongly recommended. Given that the opening is “be among the first 25 applicants,” prompt action could provide a significant advantage. Direct applications to the recruiter through LinkedIn is the best way to get noticed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the expected salary for this Family Solicitor role?

The base pay range provided by CRA Consulting is £34,000 to £48,000 per year, depending on experience. Additional benefits include bonus schemes, enhanced pension, and generous leave.

2. Does this role require previous family law experience?

Yes, the ideal candidate must have previous experience handling privately funded family law matters, alongside a qualification as a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with NQ to 3 years PQE.

3. How much time will I spend in the office?

The role offers hybrid working with just two days per week in the office. Offices are located in Sheffield, Manchester, Bristol, and Stratford-upon-Avon, with the advertised location being the Manchester Area.

4. How can I apply for the Family Solicitor position?

Apply through the official LinkedIn job posting. You can also connect directly with recruiter Lauren Hopkinson at CRA Consulting for further discussions. No deadline or application fee has been specified in the listing.