How To Become A Family Lawyer In Lichfield

Choosing to pursue a career as a family law lawyer is an admirable decision with immeasurable rewards. The field of family law not only offers intellectual challenges, but it also allows you to positively impact the lives of those you serve.

As a family law lawyer, you have the opportunity to guide your clients through some of their most trying and emotionally charged moments. Your responsibility is to provide them with sound legal advice, unyielding emotional support, and ethical guidance. You can use your extensive knowledge and expertise to help clients make informed decisions that will have lasting effects on their lives.

But how do you get from there to here?

 Those who choose to become family lawyers must possess a great deal of dedication, as well as a deep understanding of family law. This field requires not only legal expertise but also the ability to navigate highly emotional situations with sensitivity and compassion. While it can be challenging work, the rewards are immeasurable.

Family lawyers have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of their clients by helping them navigate complex legal issues and ensuring their interests are protected. For those who are passionate about advocating for families during some of their most difficult times, pursuing a career as a family lawyer is a worthwhile undertaking. With a high level of perseverance and effort, individuals can make a meaningful impact in this field and help families achieve just outcomes.

Why Choose Lichfield?

Lichfield, located in the West Midlands region of England, has become a popular location for those seeking a peaceful and affluent lifestyle. The town boasts tree-lined streets, parks, and open spaces that create a charming and picturesque atmosphere. Lichfield provides excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping centres, making it an ideal location for families.

The town also has good transport links, with easy access to major motorways and train stations that offer frequent services to major cities, such as Birmingham and London. Whether you are looking for a detached house with a large garden or an apartment in the bustling town centre, Lichfield offers a range of housing options to suit all needs and budgets. If you are seeking a comfortable and friendly environment to raise a family or to simply enjoy a leisurely lifestyle, then Lichfield is a place worth exploring.

Why Choose Lichfield For a Career in Family Law?

Lichfield is a top choice for those looking to establish a career in family law. With a thriving legal industry and a rich history of legal excellence, it is the ideal location to put down roots and develop a successful career. The area is home to a range of reputable law firms, offering professionals the opportunity to work alongside experienced family lawyers and gain invaluable experience in the field.

Lichfield's strong community spirit and excellent quality of life make it an attractive destination for legal professionals looking for a long-term career. With excellent transport links to other major cities and a host of world-class attractions on its doorstep, Lichfield is the perfect place to build a thriving legal career in family law.

Why Choose Family Law as a Career?

Choosing a career in family law is a noble and rewarding path for those who are passionate about helping families navigate through some of life's most challenging situations. As a family law solicitor, you will have the opportunity to represent clients in a wide range of cases, including divorce, adoption, custody disputes, and child support.

Alongside providing legal counsel, you will play a pivotal role in providing emotional support to your clients, particularly during these difficult times. As a family law solicitor, you will also have the opportunity to make a difference, not only in the lives of your clients but also in the greater community's family sector. Plus, with the job growth rate for lawyers projected to rise by 4% between 2019 and 2029, a career in family law is both challenging and sustainable.

Qualifications needed to become a Family Lawyer in Lichfield

Educational

Apprenticeship programs

The development of Legal Apprenticeship programs is a notable change in the legal field. This program caters to individuals who are highly motivated to learn about the legal industry but have yet to complete their university studies. Ideal for those who have finished their A-Levels, the apprenticeship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in a law firm while earning certification. Through this combined approach, participants obtain both theoretical and hands-on learning that fosters a better understanding of the field. Moreover, for aspiring lawyers who are keen on pursuing an alternative pathway, a Legal Apprenticeship program is not only a cost-effective option, but it also provides a conducive learning environment for a successful legal career.

Traditional Route

A career in law is not for the faint-hearted, demanding a significant amount of perseverance and persistence. To become a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer, one must commit to at least five years of dedicated study. However, there is another avenue to explore for those who want to go above and beyond. This challenging but rewarding pathway involves earning a bachelor's degree alongside certified qualifications and enduring intensive training. Success in the field of law is reliant on hard work and diligence. Those who maintain a strong work ethic and unwavering dedication are sure to flourish in their careers. The journey to becoming a successful lawyer may be tough, but the results are invaluable.

Professional

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has recently unveiled an exciting new development that is poised to make a significant impact on the legal profession. The new pathway is designed to offer aspiring solicitors greater flexibility and choice, allowing them to achieve their career goals in just five years. The pathway is divided into three stages, which involves the completion of a bachelor's degree in any field, two years of continuous work experience, and the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations.

The most significant advantage of this new pathway is that it no longer requires any specific degree qualifications, enabling individuals from various backgrounds to pursue a career in law. By breaking down barriers and offering an inclusive and accessible option, this new pathway is sure to bring exciting opportunities and transformative change to the legal profession.

The legal profession has always been known for its demanding and lengthy educational requirements. However, a new approach to legal education has emerged with the introduction of the SRA's Character and Suitability requirements. These requirements promise to disrupt traditional models by doing away with the need for candidates to complete the usual GDL, LPC, and PSC courses.

Instead, a new set of standardised tests will be implemented to assess candidates and measure their necessary competencies and standards for becoming a prospective lawyer. This innovative approach has generated a great deal of anticipation and excitement among lawyers and law students alike, who are eager to see how these new requirements can significantly transform the legal profession for years to come.

Local Universities and Law Courses near Lichfield

University of Birmingham

“For almost a century, Birmingham Law School has led the way in legal education and research. Today, we continue to provide our students with innovative, challenging, and research-driven education. We are a truly global, civic and diverse community reflected through our staff and students who have important impacts around the world through research, teaching and enterprise.”

Birmingham City University

“A law degree is an important first step into a career in law, as well as an important foundation on the route to many other careers, and Birmingham City University, is a long-established provider of legal education to the Birmingham legal community and beyond.”

Family Law Work Experience

Family law is a complex and specialised area of legal practice that requires a thorough understanding of the unique challenges and nuances that can arise in family disputes. Aspiring family lawyers need to showcase their commitment, knowledge, and understanding of this field through practical work experience.

One way to gain practical experience is to participate in law essay contests. Another route is to shadow a seasoned family lawyer during a small pupillage or to marshal for a judge during a family court hearing. These experiences provide invaluable insights into the workings of the industry.

By gaining first-hand experience of the intricacies of the legal system, aspiring family lawyers can position themselves to succeed in their careers. It should be noted that practical experience is crucial to success in family law, and those who demonstrate a true passion for the field will be in the best position to succeed.

Expected Salary for a Family Lawyer in Lichfield

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 £55,000, with London City businesses paying the highest average salary.

In Lichfield, the average salary for a Family Law Lawyer is £47,133 (5% below 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.

What Cases You May Work on

• Prenuptial and Postnuptial agreements
• Child maintenance orders
• Divorce cases
• Child custody cases
• Domestic violence cases
• Divorce settlements
• Financial settlements
• Civil partnership dissolution

Finding a Speciality in Family Law

Family law is a highly complex and emotionally charged area of the legal profession. Practitioners in this field must possess both incredible skill and expertise to handle the cases that come their way, which often involve intensely conflicted and emotional issues. Yet, despite the difficulties, focusing on family law can be a highly rewarding experience.

Specialising in subfields such as child custody, adoption, domestic violence, or divorce allows lawyers to establish themselves as trusted advocates and advisors for their clients. Specialising in a subfield provides a deeper understanding of unique legal issues, and it can lead to continued growth and development within the legal profession. Overall, while family law can present significant challenges, it can also provide opportunities for lawyers to make a positive difference in the lives of their clients.

Get In Touch With Stowe Family Law Lichfield

Our team of family solicitors in Lichfield are located in Advantage House on Stowe Street. For clients travelling by train, we are a short 9-10 minute walk from Lichfield City train station. If you’re driving, there is on-road parking available on the surrounding streets or you can use Lombard car park, just a 3-minute walk from our office.

You can call us on 0121 592 2169 from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.