Family Solicitor (Legal Aid)

Use your family law expertise to help build a new family legal aid service to improve access to justice in Kent

Are you an experienced Family Solicitor who wants to use your legal skills to make a real difference?

This is a rare opportunity to join North & West Kent Citizens Advice and Kent Law Centre at an exciting stage in our development. We are expanding our family law work with the aim of securing a family legal aid contract, helping to improve access to justice for vulnerable people and families across Kent.

Kent is widely recognised as a “legal aid desert”, where many people struggle to access specialist legal advice at some of the most difficult points in their lives. We want to help change that.

About the role:

You will provide specialist family legal advice, casework and representation, manage your own caseload, support legal aid compliance, and help shape the development of our family advice team.

The role will include:

• Managing family law matters including Private Law Child Arrangements Orders, Public Law Care Proceedings and domestic violence.

• Providing legal representation, including court representation where appropriate.

• Meeting legal aid billing and compliance requirements once the contract is secured.

• Supervising and supporting our CILEX-qualified Family Adviser.

• Helping to build referral partnerships and integrate family work into our wider advice model.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for a qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with Practice Rights, at least three years’ PQE, and the ability to meet Legal Aid Agency supervisor requirements for family law.

You will bring strong family legal aid experience, confidence managing complex caseloads, sound knowledge of legal aid compliance, and a sensitive, client-centred approach to working with vulnerable clients.

Why join us?

We are an independent charity affiliated with national Citizens Advice and the Law Centre Network, supporting more than 19,000 clients each year across North and West Kent.

Our Law Centre status, achieved in November 2025, marks an ambitious new chapter as we strengthen free, high-quality legal advice across Kent.

We offer professional fees and memberships, a 35-hour week, generous annual leave, pension scheme, flexible policies, CPD opportunities, town centre offices, and a friendly, values-led working environment.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and are a Disability Confident Employer.

How to apply:

To express your interest, please send your CV to: ann.starke@nwkent.cab.org.uk

There is no closing date — we are accepting applications until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.