How To Become A Family Lawyer In Chesterfield

Choosing to pursue a career as a family law lawyer can be a meaningful decision for those who aspire to make a significant impact in the lives of others. This field of law offers not only intellectual stimulation but also the opportunity to assist people during some of the most trying periods of their lives.

By offering legal counsel, emotional support and ethical guidance, family law solicitors are uniquely positioned to assist clients in navigating contentious and sensitive legal matters related to divorce, child custody, and estate planning. As a family law lawyer, you would play a critical role in supporting clients by helping them make informed decisions, understand their legal rights, and navigate the complexities of the legal system.

By leveraging your knowledge and expertise, you can help your clients make informed decisions and reach resolutions that align with their best interests.

But how do you get from there to here?

Becoming a family lawyer is an admirable pursuit for those who are passionate about helping families in need. It is not a path for the faint-hearted, however, as it demands hard work, devotion, and dedication.

The complexities of family law cases require family lawyers to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to guide their clients through difficult times. Stowe Family Law's guide to becoming a family lawyer in Chesterfield highlights the necessary steps and skills one must possess to succeed in this field.

While the challenges may seem daunting, the reward of making a positive impact on people's lives is immeasurable. With perseverance and determination, becoming a family lawyer is a path worth taking.

Why Choose Chesterfield?

Chesterfield, UK boasts a scenic location in the heart of the Peak District, making it an attractive location for anyone who loves the great outdoors. With abundant countryside and picturesque villages nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring local heritage sites.

The town has a rich history dating back to the Roman times, with impressive architecture and cobbled streets lending character to the area. Beyond the historic charm and natural beauty, Chesterfield also enjoys a thriving economy with numerous business opportunities and a strong sense of community. Whether you're in search of a peaceful countryside retreat or an exciting urban hub, Chesterfield offers something for everyone.

Why Choose Chesterfield For a Career in Family Law?

Chesterfield, with its vibrant history and bustling community, offers a unique and fulfilling environment for those pursuing a career in family law. As a rapidly growing city, Chesterfield offers promising opportunities for legal professionals seeking to specialise in family law. 

With its diverse population, Chesterfield provides ample opportunities to work with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds. Chesterfield boasts a rich legal community, providing mentors and colleagues who can offer guidance and support when navigating the intricacies of family law. For those looking for a rewarding and challenging career path, Chesterfield is an excellent destination.

Why Choose Family Law as a Career?

If you have a strong desire to make a difference in people's lives and a passion for helping others, family law may be the perfect career choice for you. Family law can be a challenging but rewarding field that allows you to support clients during some of their most difficult and emotionally charged times.

As a family lawyer, you'll have the opportunity to represent clients in cases involving divorce, finances and child custody disputes. You'll use your legal expertise and knowledge to guide clients through the complexities of the legal system and advocate for their rights. By helping clients find solutions that are in their best interests and support the well-being of their family, you'll play a crucial role in shaping their future.

Qualifications needed to become a Family Lawyer in Chesterfield

Educational

If you're aspiring to become a lawyer, there's good news: the journey towards this career path has become more flexible over the years. While GCSEs and A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications) remain basic prerequisites, there are now several educational pathways to choose from. One alternative that's growing in popularity is the Legal Apprenticeship program offered by some law firms. This option is specifically designed for individuals who have completed their A-Levels but may not have finished their degree. Not only does it provide valuable practical experience, but it also allows individuals to earn a qualification while studying. With the availability of the Legal Apprenticeship program and other educational pathways, aspiring lawyers have more options than ever before to pursue their dreams.

A career in law is one that requires unwavering determination and perseverance. For those who aspire to become Chartered Legal Executives, the road to success involves a minimum of five years of education and practical experience. Another option is to attain a bachelor's degree, followed by certified qualifications and hands-on training. Although this option takes around six years to qualify, it is a prudent way to gain expertise in the field. Regardless of the route chosen, the legal industry places much emphasis on having a deep understanding of the legal system and possessing relevant practical experience to apply this knowledge.

Professional

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently approved a new pathway for aspiring solicitors to achieve their goal within five years. Under this development, prospective solicitors can complete a bachelor's degree in any field, gain two years of continuous work experience, and complete both phases of the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations.

While some degree requirements will not apply to this pathway, it provides greater flexibility to those who are considering pursuing a career in law. By allowing for the building of valuable work experience in their desired field, this pathway opens doors for a range of options while still enabling the successful attainment of the qualifications necessary for practice as a solicitor. This exciting new development is a welcome boost to the legal profession.

The legal profession has long been known for its highly structured educational requirements, which were often viewed as necessary to ensure the necessary standards and competencies were met by prospective lawyers. However, the SRA's introduction of Character and Suitability requirements represents a significant departure from this traditional approach, and promises to shake things up in the legal profession.

By eliminating the need for GDL, LPC, and PSC courses and instead using standardised tests to assess candidates, this new methodology has generated a great deal of anticipation and excitement about how it will shape the future of the legal profession. As the new approach takes effect, we can expect to see some exciting changes in the field, one that leverages innovation and technology to redefine the skills and qualifications needed to excel as a legal professional.

Local Universities and Law Courses near Chesterfield

University of Derby

“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.”

University of Sheffield

“We're a law school that's helping to shape the law and global society. Our teaching is informed by world-leading research in law and criminal justice and helps enhance people's lives worldwide.”

Sheffield Hallam University

“All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.”

Family Law Work Experience

In the field of family law, employers look for candidates with relevant experience and a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of the industry. This means that showcasing your knowledge and passion for family law is crucial when applying for jobs in this field. 

By taking advantage of these opportunities, you'll be able to showcase your skills and impress potential employers, ultimately positioning yourself for success in this rewarding and challenging area of law.

Expected Salary for a Family Lawyer in Chesterfield

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 Chesterfield, the average salary for a Family Law Lawyer is £39,645 (26% below national average).

Workers in the legal profession earn some of the best wages in the country, with many businesses offering significant salary 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 specialised field of law that deals with a wide range of legal issues within the family unit. As a practitioner in this area, you have the ability to make a real difference in the lives of your clients by helping them navigate through some of the most difficult and emotional times they may ever face. 

When practicing family law, it's important to choose a specific area of focus to establish expertise and deepen knowledge and understanding in that area. Whether it's divorce, child custody, adoption, or domestic violence, being a trusted professional in a specific subfield can lead to a rewarding career that makes a positive impact on the lives of those you represent.

Get In Touch With Stowe Family Law Chesterfield

When facing legal matters within a family context, it is crucial to have a solicitor that is experienced, knowledgeable, and reliable. At Stowe Family Law, we endeavour to provide the necessary guidance and support required to navigate complex family law cases.

Our team of lawyers in Chesterfield is composed of dedicated experts with comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of family law, including divorce, children's matters, and financial disputes. We understand that every client's situation is unique, with its own needs and sensitivities.
As such, we strive to offer tailored advice and practical solutions to help our clients achieve the best possible outcome in their cases. With our unwavering commitment to providing reliable and trusted legal support, you can trust us to be by your side every step of the way.

Our team in Chesterfield are located in Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre. For clients travelling by rail, the office is just a 10-minute walk away from Chesterfield Train Station. If you’re travelling by car, the office is centrally located in Chesterfield and parking is available on-site in the building car park.

Get in touch via email using [email protected] or phone us on 01246 939011. Our phone lines are open from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.