Counsel/ Associate

Farrer & Co is an independent law firm, with a rich history. A centuries-long tradition of advising private families, individuals and charitable institutions is today complemented by our work with Businesses, Financial Services, Individuals, Families and Family Offices (IFFO), Education and Not For Profit organisations.

We look to be the market leader in our chosen areas of expertise, advising clients on the contentious and non-contentious legal, business and personal issues they face.

Our reputation and success is based on the goodwill of numerous close client relationships. We are trusted advisers, acting in our clients' long-term interests and paying careful attention to quality and personal service.

Our clients tell us they value us for our integrity, good judgement and professional excellence, as well as our broad perspective, practical solutions and value for money. They describe us as 'a likeable bunch' too.

We advise on all aspects of family law and are market leaders, as is reflected by our legal directory rankings, industry awards and strong track record.  Our clients benefit from advice that is based on years of experience, in-depth understanding, up to the minute knowledge and discretion. The consequences of the breakdown of a relationship are often highly emotive and require a special set of skills, both professional and personal.  Our specialist group features some of the best legal talent in the country and advises wealthy individuals on the financial aspects of relationship breakdown (which can involve complicated tax and trusts issues) and complex children cases, including international relocation.

The team comprises of 8 Partners, 13 Associates and Senior Associates, 1 Knowledge Lawyer, 1 Senior Court Clerk, 1 Paralegal, 1 Legal Assistant, 2 Consultants and10 Secretaries.

We are seeking a talented and motivated family law Counsel/ Associate who can demonstrate a solid background across a range of family law matters and experience dealing with complex and high value work. The successful candidate will be highly competent and able to run medium and larger size matters within minimal guidance. A natural ability to work in a sensitive and pragmatic manner will be coupled with skilful and tenacious negotiation. The successful candidate will supervise junior associates in the team.

Areas of work

• Acting for clients in all aspects of divorce and separation, including judicial issues and obtaining decrees of divorce and separation for clients.

• Providing clients with resolutions to financial matters whether by negotiation or court adjudication.

• Assisting clients with all private law matters involving children, including disputes within families concerning children's residence and their contact with parents and other relations.

• Advising clients on obtaining emergency relief from the courts.

• Advising clients regarding the steps required to ensure compliance with court orders and agreements relating to children and finances, including the production of information and documentation.

• Preparation and drafting of pre-marital agreements and advising in terms of appropriateness in individual circumstances.

• Advising unmarried couples on the legal consequences of their relationships both in relation to the ownership and division of property and their rights to and obligations towards children.

• An ability to deal calmly and with authority commensurate with experience and to work to tight deadlines is essential.

• An enthusiasm for team work, dealing with people, and an ability to assume responsibility and deal efficiently with a varied and often demanding workload will also be a key requirement.

• A team player is essential.

• Minimum 2.1 degree in a respected course from a top university and a training contract undertaken in a central London firm and post qualification experience in a top tier specialist family law team.

Our office hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm but it is essential that the applicant is committed, flexible and prepared to work beyond normal office hours when necessary and in response to the demands of the business.