Head of Family

Slater Heelis is a leading full-service law firm with a rich history of providing exceptional legal services to clients across the UK. Based in Manchester, we are known for our client centric approach, professional integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

The Opportunity

We are now seeking a new Head of Family to lead, grow, and strategically develop our Family Department. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a high performing team and drive continued success in one of the firm's most crucial practice areas. This role will require a presence across our Sale, Manchester and Chester offices with the opportunity to work in an agile way

Key Responsibilities

• Expert legal practice and oversight - Provide leadership across all areas within Family Law - including divorce, finances, children matters, domestic abuse, and complex high net worth cases - ensuring exceptional legal practice and full compliance with regulatory and professional standards.

• Client focused service delivery - Champion a compassionate, solutions focused approach to client care. Manage a complex and varied caseload while setting the standard for high quality legal advice, seamless communication, and proactive relationship management.

• Visionary team leadership - Lead, inspire and develop the Family Law team, creating a culture of collaboration, excellence, accountability and continuous growth. Mentor team members and actively support their professional development.

• Strategic department growth - Design and deliver a forward thinking strategy to grow the Family Department, enhance profitability, and expand market presence - ensuring alignment with wider Slater Heelis objectives.

• Business development & partnerships - Build and nurture strong relationships with clients, referrers, external organisations, and key partners. Actively drive business development initiatives and represent the firm at events, networking opportunities and sector forums.

• Continuous improvement - Stay ahead of legal, regulatory and market developments in Family Law. Use insights to enhance processes, client service, risk management and overall department performance.

Day-to-Day this might look like

• Leading and developing the Family Team, providing thought leadership, guidance, and problem solving support.
• Driving performance and matter management across the team, racking and managing the department's financial performance in line with the department's business plan.
• Budget setting, strategic planning and delivering key performance objectives.
• Driving business development, marketing and profile raising opportunities to grow the Family Department and the wider Slater Heelis brand.
• Managing a complex caseload and building strong, long term client relationships.
• Optimising processes and workflows within the department and across the firm to ensure the client is at the centre.
• Contributing to the development of Slater Heelis' intellectual property, including precedents, templates and case management tools.

What we're looking for

• Demonstrated track record and experience: A qualified solicitor with extensive experience and a demonstrated track record in Family law practice.
• Leadership: Proven track record of successfully managing and developing high performing legal teams, with a focus on fostering high performance.
• Commitment to clients: A commitment to supporting clients during emotionally challenging times, leading with empathy, professionalism and exceptional communication skills.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong commercial acumen and the ability to shape and execute a strategic vision for department growth.
• Exceptional communicator: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders effectively and confidently.

The extras

• Flexible time off - 30 days annual leave plus 1 day for birthday and 8 Bank holidays. We also offer an additional day annual leave for your 3-, 5- & 10-year anniversary.
• Income Protection
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hybrid Working
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• A benefits portal enabling you to purchase an array of other benefits via salary sacrifice, such as, expanded partnerships with 1000+ gyms, the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave, season ticket loans, and travel insurance amongst other attractive perks.

How to Apply

If you're excited by this opportunity and would like to apply, please submit your CV to