The Qualification Season 2016: Family

As part of The Qualification Season a series of blogs by CapeClarke aimed at trainee solicitors looking to qualify in September 2016 we will give a brief overview of the market conditions affecting many of the core legal disciplines that trainee solicitors look to qualify into.

The next area of law for discussion is Family.

The Current Market

The Family market, post-recession, has been very busy with teams specialising, particularly, in high net worth individuals, the value of whose estates lifted once the market recovered.  The lower end of the market has remained steady, despite the number of divorces in the UK hitting a 40 year low by the end of 2015.

With a few exceptions, the upper end of the family market is essentially split between large national firms operating top level teams or niche family practices (often based in Harrogate!).

Is this a good career option?

Family solicitors generally report enjoying steady, fulfilling careers.  The family market, particularly at the higher value end of the spectrum is a fairly small market insofar as the number of firms working in the area and, consequently, family solicitors are generally known to their peers.

There is always a steady stream of family law opportunities so there is a much greater ability to move on to pastures new than some other niche areas.

September 2016 opportunities

Family law is a popular area and NQ positions are often swallowed up by internal trainee solicitors.  That said, we have seen a number of roles appear in recent years at a range of different law firms and are hopeful of seeing a small number of opportunities this year.

 

If you have been thinking about a move or would just like some general advice about options in the market, please feel free to contact Terry Cape or Chris Clarke on 0113 2385965.

CapeClarke is a leading niche legal recruitment consultancy operating across Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Liverpool and London. Please feel free to check out our priority legal vacancies by clicking here.  Please note these legal vacancies are only a small selection of those we have been instructed on, so please get in touch if you do not see a role which looks suitable.