How To Become A Family Lawyer In Cambridge

For those considering a career as a family law lawyer, there are many reasons to make the leap. Family law solicitors are responsible for providing both legal advice and emotional support during times of great difficulty for their clients. While the work can be challenging, it is also incredibly fulfilling to positively impact the lives of those going through complex and often life-changing legal issues.

This career path offers the chance to provide expert counsel while also improving the lives of others, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a career that is both intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding.

But how do you get from there to here?

Working as a family lawyer is a demanding career path that requires a great deal of hard work, devotion, and dedication. The job demands a mastery of intricate case complexities and guiding clients through challenging times. Despite its challenges, the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact in people's lives is truly rewarding.

Clients rely on family lawyers to navigate complex legal systems and to provide the support they need during difficult family situations. For those passionate about helping families in need, a career as a family lawyer can be a fulfilling pursuit. With an expertise in family law, individuals can make a significant contribution to society while making a difference in the lives of clients.

Why Choose Cambridge?

Cambridge, UK is more than just a charming university town, it's a city of innovation and diverse culture. Home to the renowned University of Cambridge, it offers world-class education and research opportunities for students and academics from all over the globe. With a thriving job market in industries such as science and technology, Cambridge attracts top talent and boasts an exceptional quality of life.

The city's picturesque architecture, greenery, and historic landmarks provide residents with an unparalleled environment for leisure activities and relaxation. Additionally, with its close proximity to London, Cambridge residents can easily access an array of cultural and entertainment options. Overall, living in Cambridge means experiencing the best of British academia, culture, and innovation in a beautiful and vibrant city.

Why Choose Cambridge For a Career in Family Law?

If you're looking to pursue a career in family law, Cambridge can be the perfect destination to embark on this journey. A bustling city with a rich academic and legal history, Cambridge boasts some of the top law firms and chambers in the country, providing ample opportunities and exposure for budding family lawyers.

Cambridge has a diverse and multicultural population with a range of family legal needs, providing every aspiring lawyer with ample opportunities to build a diverse and challenging caseload. Whether you're interested in working with individuals, businesses, or organisations, Cambridge has something for every family lawyer, from resolving disputes to advocating for the best interests of children. So if you're looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career in family law, Cambridge should definitely be on your list of options.

Why Choose Family Law as a Career?

As a family law solicitor, you'll play a critical role in helping clients navigate some of life's most difficult challenges by providing legal guidance, representation, and support. Your work will not only make a profound impact on your clients' lives but also contribute to shaping family law policies and practices in your community.

Successful family lawyers possess excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills, as well as a strong sense of empathy and the ability to remain calm in emotionally charged situations. If you're passionate about helping families and making a difference in people's lives, family law may be the ideal career path for you.

Qualifications needed to become a Family Lawyer in Cambridge

Educational

Traditionally, becoming a lawyer was considered a challenging educational path that only a select few could manage. However, with the emergence of diverse educational pathways today, the road to a career in law has never been more feasible. Although most law programs may still require GCSEs and A-Levels, the Legal Apprenticeship program exists as a desirable option for students who have completed their A-Levels but have not yet earned their degree.

This program provides pupils with practical experience and an opportunity to obtain a qualification whilst studying – with a flexible schedule designed to fit around working commitments. To sum up, the Legal Apprenticeship program offers accessibility and convenience to students aspiring to pursue a career in law.

This career path demands a minimum of five years of education and practical experience, as well as a steadfast commitment to hard work and dedication.

For those pursuing the alternative route, obtaining a bachelor's degree in law, gaining certified qualifications, and completing training can take up to six years to fully qualify. Regardless of chosen methodology, one thing remains constant: the importance of acquiring knowledge and relevant practical experience to succeed in the legal industry.

With a tenacious spirit and commitment to excellence, individuals can enter a career in law knowing that they have equipped themselves for success.

Professional

A change in the legal profession has recently been implemented, which allows individuals to begin their journey in as little as five years, without having to fulfil certain degree requirements. This new pathway requires the completion of a bachelor's degree in any field, two years of work experience, and the successful passing of the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations. 

With this more flexible approach, the legal profession aims to provide greater accessibility to a wider range of people looking to pursue a career in law. For those with a passion for the law, this is an exciting prospect, and we anticipate seeing the positive impact it will have on the industry as a whole.

The legal profession is esteemed for its stringent standards of education and commitment to excellence. In recent times, a modern approach has emerged to revolutionise the way lawyers are groomed and assessed, paving the path for the future of the industry. Notably, the SRA has introduced new character and suitability criteria, disrupting the traditional GDL, LPC, and PSC foundation courses in favour of two endorsed examinations that more efficiently measure candidate abilities and competencies. 

This innovative approach to training and evaluating lawyers has generated an atmosphere of excitement and intrigue, as legal professionals look forward to seeing the ways in which it will transform the industry.

Local Universities and Law Courses near Cambridge

University of Cambridge

"Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world. Home to over 25,000 students from more than 140 countries, we offer undergraduate degree courses in the arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences and engineering."

• Number 1 in the Complete University Guide 2024
• Number 2 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 (the highest ranked UK university)
• Top 3 in the Guardian University Guide 2023

University of Nottingham

“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”.

Anglia Ruskin University

“Our law degree provides the seven core foundations of legal knowledge and meets the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board for a career as a solicitor or barrister in the UK”

Family Law Work Experience

Family law is an area of law that encompasses complex issues and demands a deep understanding. With prospective employers looking for experienced professionals, it becomes essential for aspiring individuals to showcase their commitment and expertise in this field. Relevant work experience is crucial in demonstrating knowledge of the challenges and rewards of practicing family law.

Opportunities such as university essay contests, shadowing a family lawyer during small pupillage, or marshalling for a judge during a family court hearing can provide valuable insights into the workings of the industry. Such experiences can also offer a platform to display passion for family law. By taking up such opportunities, one can learn and grow into a highly skilled professional, ready to take on the challenges of the demanding field of family law.

Expected Salary for a Family Lawyer in Cambridge

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 Cambridge, the average salary for a Family Law Lawyer is £50,674 (16% 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.

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 an intricate and ever-evolving area of practice that requires a deep understanding of various legal issues that can arise within families. As a practitioner in this field, you have the power to make a lasting difference in your clients' lives by guiding them through the complex maze of legal procedures.

Whether it's a child custody dispute or a domestic violence case, each matter demands a unique approach and requires an intimate knowledge of the applicable laws. By focusing on a specific subfield of family law, you can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the nuances of a particular issue, ultimately allowing you to provide better and more effective representation for your clients. As such, it's crucial to invest yourself in a particular area of family law to ensure you are delivering the best possible outcomes for your clients.

Get In Touch With Stowe Family Law Cambridge

When it comes to family law matters, choosing the right solicitor can make all the difference. Based in Cambridge, Stowe Family Law has gained a reputable status as a trusted option in the legal field, having served clients for over thirty years.

With our experience and expertise, Stowe Family Law offers a comprehensive range of services, specialising in everything from divorce proceedings to child custody disputes. Our legal team is dedicated to providing empathetic guidance throughout every step of the process, ensuring we prioritise professionalism and client care. Clients can trust Stowe Family Law to handle their family law matters with the care and attention they deserve.

Wellington House is conveniently located within walking distance to both major retail shopping centres and popular bus routes. Cambridge railway station is 16 minutes walk (0.8 miles) away. Car parking and cycle parking can be found onsite.

You can email us at [email protected] or call us on 01223 613551, our phone lines from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.