We are seeking an experienced Family Solicitor who combines strong technical expertise with excellent client care and a desire to contribute to the continued growth and development of our Family Department and wider firm.. Depending on experience, the successful candidate may be appointed at Associate, Senior Associate or Salaried Partner level. 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within a supportive and highly regarded team, with a genuine route to Partnership. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of family law matters, which may include divorce and separation, financial remedy proceedings, business and trust assets, child arrangements, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes and other complex family matters. 

You will provide clear, practical and sensitive advice to clients, often during challenging periods in their lives. You will also play an active role in developing client relationships, supporting the continued growth of the department and contributing positively to the wider firm. 

The position offers excellent long-term career prospects, with a clearly defined opportunity to progress to Partnership. Depending on experience and suitability, entry at Salaried Partner level may also be considered. 

Why Dean Wilson? 

Dean Wilson LLP is one of Sussex's leading law firms and is on an ambitious growth journey. We are investing significantly in our people, technology and working practices to build a modern, commercially successful and client-focused firm for the future. We believe excellent legal advice, outstanding client service and continuous improvement go hand in hand. 

We encourage our lawyers to think beyond their individual caseloads and contribute to the wider success of the firm through collaboration, business development, innovation and knowledge sharing. Our people play an active role in shaping how we work, how we serve clients and how we continue to grow. 

As part of our ongoing investment in the future of legal services, we are embracing AI, knowledge management and process improvement to help our teams work more effectively and deliver an exceptional client experience. We are looking for lawyers who share that forward-thinking mindset and want to be part of building the next chapter of the firm. 

Key duties and responsibilities will include: 

• Managing your own caseload of family law matters from initial instruction through to conclusion. 
• Advising clients on a broad range of family law issues, including divorce and separation, financial remedies, child arrangements, cohabitation disputes and nuptial agreements. 
• Drafting correspondence, court applications, witness statements, agreements and other legal documentation. 
• Conducting advocacy where appropriate and instructing barristers, experts and other professionals when required. 
• Providing clients with clear, practical and commercially focused advice. 
• Maintaining excellent standards of client care throughout each matter. 
• Managing files efficiently and ensuring that time recording, billing and other administrative requirements are completed accurately. 
• Developing strong professional relationships with clients, referrers and external contacts. 
• Supporting the department’s business development and marketing activities. 
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Family Department and wider firm. 
• Ensuring compliance with all firm procedures, professional obligations and regulatory requirements. 
• Supporting and supervising junior colleagues where appropriate to the level of appointment. 
• Identifying opportunities to introduce clients to other areas of the firm and contributing to a strong cross-referral culture. 
• Supporting the continued growth of the department through networking, business development and relationship-building activities. 
• Contributing ideas that improve client experience, operational efficiency and the delivery of legal services. 
• Actively participating in knowledge sharing, mentoring and the development of best practice within the team and wider firm. 
• Embracing new technologies and ways of working that improve outcomes for clients and colleagues. 

 About You 

The successful candidate will: 

• Be a qualified Solicitor with experience in Family Law. Ideally, a member of Resolution and a trained Collaborative lawyer. 
• Have experience managing a varied caseload with an appropriate level of independence. 
• Possess strong technical knowledge and a genuine interest in family law. 
• Be confident advising clients on sensitive and complex matters. 
• Demonstrate excellent client care, communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Have strong drafting, negotiation and organisational abilities. 
• Be able to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Take a proactive and commercially aware approach to their work. 
• Be committed to business development and building professional relationships. 
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. 
• Be comfortable using case management systems and Microsoft Office applications. 
• Have a genuine interest in helping to grow and develop both the Family Department and the wider firm. 
• Demonstrate a commercial mindset and an understanding of the importance of profitability, client value and long-term client relationships. 
• Be open to innovation, technology and new ways of delivering legal services. 
• Contribute positively to team culture, collaboration and knowledge sharing. 
• For Senior Associate or Partner-level candidates, demonstrate leadership potential and a willingness to support the development of colleagues. 

 What We Offer 

We recognise that our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive and ambitious environment where individuals can build long-term careers, develop their expertise and fulfil their potential. In addition to a competitive remuneration package, we offer: 

• Private medical cash plan 
• Life insurance 
• Company pension 
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 
• Working hours of 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday 
• Social activities and sports teams 
• Dog-friendly office days 

 We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. 

 Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion.