Dispute Resolution – Contentious Probate Fee Earner – Full Time in Office or Hybrid - Bridgwater, Taunton or Yeovil Office

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Solicitor/Legal Executive or Paralegal to join an established, busy and expanding team has arisen in the Yeovil Office of our Legal 500 Firm with 3 offices based across Somerset.

You will also have a proven ability to work under your own initiative and continue to develop the business through wider networking and relationship building with new and existing clients. 

You will need to demonstrate excellent communication, networking and client facing skills alongside an enviable experience of dealing with both day to day and complex cases. 

Client and commercial awareness is essential whilst consistently delivering a first class service.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to work alone as required to get the job done as well as in collaboration with other team members.

The successful applicant will also be a vehicle owner and hold a full driving licence as travel to meet with clients and to other offices would be essential to the role.

We are looking for a quick start so please apply if you wish to join an expanding and successful team by submitting your CV and covering letter to HR@pardoes.co.uk

LEGAL AID CHILDREN/CARE LAWYER

Pardoes is a dynamic and forward-thinking South West law firm. We pride ourselves on delivering expert legal advice with empathy and care, helping people in our community protect their interests now and in the future. 

We are a versatile and adaptive practice with a unique, forward thinking, approach to the delivery of legal services, and the welfare of our employees. We work hard to achieve the best results for our clients. With a modern approach, the firm employs professionals of high calibre and who are legal experts within their areas of law. We pride ourselves on high levels of client care and look to provide an outstanding service at all times.

Our people have been recognised by The Legal 500 and are proud to achieve consistently high reviews from our clients on Google and Review Solicitors. We have strong links with community services, charities, Chamber of Commerce, The Armed Forces, and Hinkley Point. 

Key benefits of working with us include flexible hybrid working, excellent skilled administrative support, access to top tier resources and the latest in case management and legal research/practice technology, including Lexis+AI.

We are recruiting an experienced Family Law Solicitor to join our dynamic legal aid practice. The successful candidate will be working with the Head of our Family Department who has been recognised as a named individual in The Legal 500 (Top Tier) as “Recommended Lawyer” and “Next Generation Partner” in 2024, 2023 and 2022.

We require a self-motivated individual with excellent communication and written skills. You will be highly organised, able to manage a varied workload and work well under pressure. Patience and tact are necessary as you will be assisting vulnerable people whose welfare is our priority. Sound knowledge of legal aid funding is required.

THE ROLE: 

Family Solicitor (Public and Private Children) (5+ years PQE)

WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

The successful candidate will be based initially at our Bridgwater office, however there is scope for hybrid (home) working,  and working from one of our other offices in Taunton, West Bradley and/or Yeovil. 

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES OF THE ROLE:

• Report directly to Department Director/Head of Family.

• Building and managing a caseload; you will be responsible for all aspects of Child Care and Legal Aid work including client care, provision of expert representation and advice, as well as undertaking your own advocacy.

• Assisting in managing and supervising Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors and Paralegals.

• Assisting with delivery of appropriate training and development in the department, and providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members.

• Variety of duties including dealing with a range of primarily legally aided public and private children cases including Care, Placement and Adoption proceedings, child abduction, child protection issues, Special Guardianship, Family Law Act and Children Act matters.

• Maintain accurate and complete files and records in line with SRA/SQM and Legal Aid Agency standards and procedures.

• Assist with running the legal aid contract as appropriate, bill files, complete legal aid applications and comply with other Legal Aid Agency requirements including Supervision.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Must have a clean, valid Practising Certificate at the time of applying

• At least 5 years PQE

• Candidates must meet the Legal Aid Agency Supervisor Standard for public law children and have significant experience of acting for clients in public/private children law matters. 

• Registered with the Law Society and Children Panel Membership is desirable 

• Strong management skills

• Committed team player with ability to approach team concerns fairly, foster culture of positive change and encourage cross referrals

• Previous proven supervisory experience and working to key performance indicators

• Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with vulnerable clients and resolve complicated practicalities involved in child care issues

• Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business

• Working knowledge of the publicly funded Child Care work and have the ability to service privately funded cases

• Have extensive experience in dealing with this area of law, and ideally experience in managing cases involving domestic abuse and injunctive applications

• Experience in own advocacy is an advantage

• Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and case/document management skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary

• A fantastic supportive team

• Excellent progression opportunities

• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition

• Generous holiday entitlement 

• Bonus scheme

• Flexible/hybrid working

• A positive friendly working environment within a firm that respects the work/life balance and welfare of it’s employees, and rewards hard work

• Pension

• On site parking 

Law Society Children/Family Accreditation/Resolution:

The Company will support your career progression if you decide to pursue Children, Family or Family Advanced Panel accreditation with the Law Society or Resolution.  

The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.

Hours: Full-time – 37.5 hours per week; 9.00am-5.30pm Monday–Friday (alternative working arrangements including part-time hours will be considered)

Salary: Negotiable up to £60,000 for the right candidate.

Anticipated start: As soon as possible

LEGAL AID CHILDREN/CARE LAWYER – BRIDGWATER, TAUNTON, WEST BRADLEY OR YEOVIL

ABOUT US:

Pardoes is a dynamic and forward-thinking South West law firm.  We pride ourselves on delivering expert legal advice with empathy and care, helping people in our community protect their interests now and in the future. 

We are a versatile and adaptive practice with a unique, forward thinking, approach to the delivery of legal services, and the welfare of our employees.  We work hard to achieve the best results for our clients. With a modern approach, the firm employs professionals of high calibre and who are legal experts within their areas of law.  We pride ourselves on high levels of client care and look to provide an outstanding service at all times.

Our people have been recognised by The Legal 500 and are proud to achieve consistently high reviews from our clients on Google and Review Solicitors.  We have strong links with community services, charities, Chamber of Commerce, the Armed Forces, and Hinkley Point. 

Key benefits of working with us include flexible hybrid working, excellent skilled administrative support, access to top tier resources and the latest in case management and legal research/practice technology, including Lexis+AI.

THE CANDIDATE: 

Family Solicitor (Public and Private Children) (5+ years PQE)

We are recruiting an experienced Family Law Solicitor to join our dynamic legal aid practice.  The successful candidate will be working with the Head of our Family Department who has been recognised as a named individual in The Legal 500 (Top Tier) as “Recommended Lawyer” and “Next Generation Partner” in 2024, 2023 and 2022. 

You will be based initially at our Bridgwater office, however there is scope for hybrid (home) working and working from one of our other offices in Taunton, West Bradley and/or Yeovil.

You will be a self-motivated individual with excellent communication and written skills.  You will be highly organised, able to manage a varied workload and work well under pressure.  Patience and tact are necessary as you will be assisting vulnerable people whose welfare is our priority. Sound knowledge of legal aid funding is required.

THE ROLE: 

Main Responsibilities of the Role

• Report directly to Department Director/Head of Family.

• Building and managing a caseload; you will be responsible for all aspects of Child Care and Legal Aid work including client care, provision of expert representation and advice, as well as undertaking your own advocacy.

• Assisting in managing and supervising Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors and Paralegals.

• Assisting with delivery of appropriate training and development in the department, and providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members.

• Variety of duties including dealing with a range of primarily legally aided public and private children cases including Care, Placement and Adoption proceedings, child abduction, child protection issues, Special Guardianship, Family Law Act and Children Act matters.

• Maintain accurate and complete files and records in line with SRA/SQM and Legal Aid Agency standards and procedures.

• Assist with running the legal aid contract as appropriate, bill files, complete legal aid applications and comply with other Legal Aid Agency requirements including Supervision.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Must have a clean, valid Practising Certificate at the time of applying.

• At least 5 years PQE.

• Candidates must meet the Legal Aid Agency Supervisor Standard for public law children and have significant experience of acting for clients in public/private children law matters. 

• Registered with the Law Society and Children Panel Membership is desirable. 

• Strong management skills.

• Committed team player with ability to approach team concerns fairly, foster culture of positive change and encourage cross referrals.

• Previous proven supervisory experience and working to key performance indicators.

• Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with vulnerable clients and resolve complicated practicalities involved in childcare issues.

• Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business.

• Working knowledge of the publicly funded Child Care work and have the ability to service privately funded cases.

• Have extensive experience in dealing with this area of law, and ideally experience in managing cases involving domestic abuse and injunctive applications.

• Experience in own advocacy is an advantage.

• Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and case/document management skills.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salary.

• A fantastic supportive team.

• Excellent progression opportunities.

• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition.

• Generous holiday entitlement. 

• Flexible/hybrid working.

• A positive friendly working environment within a firm that respects the work/life balance and welfare of its employees, and rewards hard work.

• Life Insurance.

• Pension.

• Private Medical Insurance.

• On site parking.

Law Society Children/Family Accreditation/Resolution:

The Company will support your career progression if you decide to pursue Children, Family or Family Advanced Panel accreditation with the Law Society or Resolution. 

The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.

Hours: Full-time – 37.5 hours per week; 9.00am-5.30pm Monday–Friday (alternative working arrangements including part-time hours will be considered).

Salary: Negotiable up to £60,000 for the right candidate.

Anticipated start: As soon as possible.

Please apply by submitting your CV and covering letter to HR@pardoes.co.uk.

Private Client Fee Earner - Purely Probate

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding career journey? Purely Probate, a sister company of Pardoes Solicitors, invites applications for the position of Legal Executive or Solicitor to join our dynamic Private Client team.

This role can be based in either the picturesque West Bradley near Glastonbury, or vibrant Bridgwater. Join us and be part of a forward-thinking Somerset law firm with a reputation for being a fantastic workplace.

ABOUT US:

Purely Probate specialises in Wills, Probate, and related legal services. As part of our team, you'll contribute to our mission of providing top-notch service while enjoying a modern and friendly work environment.

THE ROLE: 

As a Legal Executive or Solicitor in our Private Client team, you'll manage a mixed caseload that includes Wills, Probate, and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Your responsibilities will include:

• Demonstrating excellent organisational and time management skills

• Interacting professionally with clients and colleagues

• Handling complex matters with ease and efficiency

• Utilising technology adeptly

THE CANDIDATE:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate excellent communication, networking and client facing skills alongside an enviable experience of dealing with both day to day and complex cases including Wills and LPAs, both taxable and non-taxable Estates. Experience in trust matters, and Court of Protection matters would also be beneficial but is not essential.

It would be advantageous if applicants were accredited with Solicitors for the Elderly or

members of STEP (Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners). The firm would support training

at regular intervals to keep abreast of private client developments.

You will be self supportive, undertaking the majority of your own administration with some support provided locally or remotely as appropriate. It goes without saying client awareness is essential whilst consistently delivering a first-class service.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a busy Private Client fee earning role with an

ability to work autonomously as required to get the job done. Applicants who have practice of participating in the development of a department and using marketing and networking to achieve this are also desirable.

This role may require occasional travel to our various offices across Somerset and parts of

Dorset, therefore the successful applicant will also be a vehicle owner and hold a full driving licence.

Please apply by submitting your CV and covering letter to HR@pardoes.co.uk.