Partner / Legal Director - Family (ref 1146)

Bristol is our seventh office opening in the early Autumn so come and be part of the founding team. Since January 2021 we have had a ‘hub’ which has hosted our Southwest based partners but to reflect our growth in this area and the firm strategy we are now here to stay. We are establishing a full-service presence in Bristol, and this is an exciting opportunity to be part of that and help form the office as we grow.

With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we live in and serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. https://www.birketts.co.uk/environmental-social-governance/

Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership. Sustainability was a key factor in determining our choice of office in Bristol.

Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals with our other offices being located in in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: real estate, corporate services, litigation and private client advisory.

We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face. Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do.

The department

The highly regarded family team, ranked as Tier 1 in Chambers and Legal 500, specialise in Divorce and Financial Provision, private Children Act Matters, pre and post nuptial agreements, Family Law Act applications, and our new area, modern families. Domestic and International. The team has a strong stream of work including High Net Worth and complex Children Act issues. The department won the Lexis Nexis prize for Family Law Team of the South in 2023, and were shortlisted for the regional team of the year at the British Family Law Awards.

Purpose of job

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic market leading family department dealing with high quality work. We are looking for a Legal Director/Partner to head, build and grow the Bristol family team. There will be a particular focus on working with our current partners there to establish and expand our presence in the region.

Accountabilities

Client Management and Development

• Build and maintain strong relationship with high-net-worth clients.
• Provide tailored legal advice on family matters.
• Ensure client needs are met with the highest standard of professionalism and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for expanding client relationships and cross-selling additional services.

Legal Expertise and Advice

• Stay abreast of the latest developments in the relevant law.
• Draft and review complex legal documents including pre/post nuptial agreements.

Team Leadership and Management

• Lead, build and mentor a team of junior lawyers fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Full support and guidance will be given.
• Be active in the family leadership weekly meetings.
• Provide guidance and training to other team members ensuring continuous professional development.
• Oversee the workload and performance of the team, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
• Be involved and available to the wider family team. We are a close community, despite our logistical differences.

Business Development and Strategy

• Contribute to the development and execution of the firm’s strategic plan.
• Participate in networking events, conferences and other business development activities to promote the firm’s services.
• Develop and implement marketing initiatives to attract new clients and retain existing ones.
• Monitor and report on market trends, client feedback and competitive activity to inform strategic decisions.
• Lead efforts to establish and grow the firm’s presence in the Bristol region, leveraging local networks and industry contacts.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure all activities comply with relevant laws, regulations and professional standards.
• Manage risks associated with client engagements, including identifying and mitigating potential conflicts of interest.
• Maintain accurate and up to date client records and documentation in accordance with legal and firm policies.

The candidate

Qualifications And Experience

• 10 years’+ PQE gained within a strong regional, national or City firm.
• Strong academic background.
• Proven track record of advising high net worth clients in all areas of family law.
• Additional skills such as being a mediator, arbitrator, trained collaborative lawyer or trained in One Couple, One lawyer will be an advantage.
• A high attention to detail to produce work/ documentation which is consistently of a high standard.
• To have a flexible approach to work to ensure client deadlines are always met and clients are communicated with on a consistent and regular basis.
• Previous experience in business development and establishing a presence in new markets.

Skills And Competencies

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
• Business development acumen with experience in growing a client base and identifying new business opportunities.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.

Personal Attributes

• Client-focused mindset, with a commitment to delivering excellent service.
• Proactive and results-oriented with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable and resilient with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast paced environment.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, with a passion for building and growing a business in a new market.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to recruiting individuals on merits of suitability for each role, on the basis of qualifications and experience. All applications are treated fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation, race, disability, religious beliefs and any other protected characteristic, ensuring that there are equal opportunities at all stages of the recruitment process.

Benefits

One of the best things about joining Birketts is our rewards package. At Birketts we are appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. A competitive salary and benefits package is given but you can also expect a great team and supportive colleagues, a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, a programme of wellbeing and mental health support and structured career development and study support.

https://www.birketts.co.uk/working-for-birketts/

Highlighting:

• 30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
• Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
• Staff Profit Share / Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid ESG day (Environmental, Social and Governance)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised gym membership
• Electric car scheme
• Agile Working Policy
• Dress for your Day Policy

Partner Benefits Discussed At Interview Stage.

Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile and part time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.