Choosing to become a family law lawyer is a decision that can provide a fulfilling and impactful career. As a family law solicitor, the responsibility is twofold: to offer expert legal advice and emotional support to clients navigating through what may be some of the most difficult and life-changing moments they may experience.
The field of family law presents complex legal issues and cases that require intellectual stimulation. However, it also provides opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
As a family law lawyer, you have the potential to guide individuals through their most challenging moments and provide them with ethical guidance that can make a significant difference in their future.
But how do you get from there to here?
The demanding nature of the job requires hard work, devotion, and dedication to mastering the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively handle intricate cases and guide clients through difficult times.
Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact in people's lives is truly rewarding. For those passionate about helping families in need, a career as a family lawyer can be a fulfilling pursuit.
Derby, located in the East Midlands of England, is a city renowned for its cultural assets, rich history, and tranquil living environment. Living in Derby offers a plethora of opportunities for its residents, from experiencing the electric atmosphere at the Derby County Football Club's Pride Park Stadium to exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of the Peak District National Park, just a short drive away.
Not only is Derby home to a multitude of notable landmarks, such as the impressive Derby Cathedral and the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, it is also a hub for innovation with a thriving business scene, providing excellent career prospects. With its outstanding transport links and numerous leisure activities, Derby is a city that promises high-quality living standards, making it a desirable location for people of all ages and backgrounds.
When it comes to a career in family law, choosing the right location can make all the difference. Derby stands out as an excellent choice for those pursuing this field, thanks to the city's thriving legal sector and commitment to family values.
With a rich history that dates back centuries, Derby has a longstanding reputation as a hub for legal excellence. Family law professionals, in particular, can benefit from the array of legal firms operating in the city, as well as the plentiful networking opportunities found within its tight-knit community. By choosing Derby, aspiring family law experts can gain valuable experience while working on meaningful cases that impact the lives of real people.
Are you looking for a career path that allows you to help others while also indulging your interest in law? Family law may be the perfect occupation for you. This field is both challenging and rewarding, and the work that you do can make a tangible difference in the lives of your clients.
As a family lawyer, you will assist individuals with legal proceedings related to divorce, child custody, and domestic abuse cases. You will provide valuable guidance and representation during court proceedings, seeking the best possible outcome for each of your clients. Overall, becoming a family lawyer is an opportunity to create a positive impact within your community.
Educational
In the past, becoming a lawyer required a specific educational path that could be daunting for some students. However, thanks to the range of educational pathways available today, a career in law has never been more attainable. While GCSEs and A-Levels are still basic prerequisites for most law programs, the Legal Apprenticeship program has emerged as an attractive alternative for students who have completed their A-Levels but have not yet finished their degree.
This apprenticeship program offers practical experience and the opportunity to earn a qualification while studying. With its flexible structure, students can balance their studies with other obligations while still obtaining the quality training necessary to become a successful lawyer. The Legal Apprenticeship program is an ideal pathway to consider for students who want to fast-track their legal career and gain hands-on experience in the field.
Embarking on a career in law is a challenge that demands dedication and hard work. For aspiring Chartered Legal Executive lawyers, the path to success requires a minimum of five years of education and practical experience. Alternatively, earning a bachelor's degree in law, obtaining certified qualifications, and completing training are alternative routes that typically take around six years to qualify. Regardless of the chosen pathway, acquiring depth of knowledge and relevant practical experience is crucial to succeed in the legal industry. With tenacity and commitment, entering a career in law can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Professional
Aspiring lawyers can now rejoice with the recent news of the Solicitors Regulation Authority's approval of a new pathway towards becoming a practicing solicitor. This exciting development allows individuals to achieve their dream of entering the legal profession in as little as five years, without certain degree requirements.
The new pathway involves completing a bachelor's degree in any field, gaining two years of continuous work experience, and passing both phases of the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations. This more flexible approach presents a fantastic opportunity for those looking to pursue a career in law and aims to make the profession more accessible to a wider range of people. This recent change is an exciting prospect for those with a passion for the law, and we can't wait to see the positive impact it has on the legal industry.
The legal profession has always been recognised for its high standards of education and dedication. However, a fresh approach has come forth, which vows to transform the way lawyers are trained and evaluated, leading the way to the future of the industry. Recently, SRA has enforced new character and suitability criteria - an initiative that has shaken up the usual GDL, LPC, and PSC foundation courses and has made way for two approved examinations that measure the capabilities and competencies of a candidate far more effectively.
This new method of training lawyers has created an air of excitement and anticipation among legal practitioners, and we are eager to see how this new approach will open doors for the next generation of lawyers.
“The Derby LLB has excellence in legal practice at its core. You’ll discover real-world law in action, taking your first steps towards qualifying as a solicitor or barrister – or keeping your career options open for the countless professions where legal knowledge is invaluable. .”
“Looking to study law and excel in your career? Our LLB Law programme is designed to provide a thorough foundation in English law with a focus on professional development. Our core modules give you a thorough foundation in English law, through the study of tort, trusts, contract law, public law, criminal law, EU law, and land law”.
Family law is a demanding area that requires a deep understanding of complex issues, making experience critical for prospective employers. Demonstrating your commitment and expertise through relevant work experience is essential in showcasing your knowledge of the challenges and rewards of practicing family law.
Opportunities such as participating in university essay contests, shadowing a family lawyer during a small pupillage, or marshalling for a judge during a family court hearing can provide insights into the workings of the industry, and offer a platform to display your passion for family law.
With experience, you gain practical skills, industry knowledge, and valuable connections that can propel you forward in your career. So, if you're looking to stand out in the competitive world of family law, gaining practical experience is a must.
According to Indeed data, the average salary for a Family Lawyer in the UK is £41,796 per year, though this will vary depending on location and the business you work for.
Wages for recently trained solicitors vary across the UK and can range from £26,000 to £57,000, with London City businesses paying the highest average salary.
In Derby, the average salary for a Family Law Lawyer is £44,048 (4% above the national average).
Workers in the legal profession earn some of the best wages in the country, with many businesses offering significant salaries and bonuses regardless of specialisation.
Family law is a diverse and challenging field that deals with various legal issues within families. These issues could range from something as familiar as a divorce to something as intense as a domestic violence case. As a legal practitioner in this field, you have the power to create a lasting impact on your clients' lives by helping them navigate through the maze of legal procedures.
It is essential to choose a specific area of focus and emphasise on it to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. By becoming an expert in a particular subfield of family law, you can provide your clients with targeted and practical legal guidance. Family law can be challenging, but the reward of helping people get through the most challenging times in their life is what makes it worthwhile.
Our team of Family Lawyers are located in Cubo Derby, The Old Post Office on Victoria Street (DE1 1EQ) in Derby.
Fantastic transport links are available due to the central location of this space. Situated in the centre of Derby, just a 2 minute walk from Derby Museum & Art Gallery. Close to major road routes such as the A52, A6, A38 and M1. Derby Railway Station is 1.2 miles away. There is parking available at the centre.
You can call us on 01332 317702 from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Beth is highly experienced in all areas of family law with specific focus on financial and property disputes arising from divorce and child arrangements. Beth is Managing Partner at our Midlands offices, which includes Nottingham, Derby and Birmingham.
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