How To Become A Family Lawyer In Exeter

Choosing to become a family law lawyer is both fulfilling and meaningful. In this role, you will be responsible for providing expert legal advice and emotional support to your clients as they go through some of the most challenging and life-changing moments they may experience. The practice of family law presents complex legal issues that require intellectual stimulation, and it offers an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

As a family law lawyer, you have the potential to guide individuals through tough legal issues such as divorce, child custody battles, and adoption cases. You can make a real difference in the lives of your clients by providing valuable support and guidance during these difficult times. Overall, choosing a career in family law can be both professionally and personally rewarding.

But how do you get from there to here?

The field of family law demands a high level of commitment and dedication. Family lawyers are often required to deal with complex cases and guide clients through difficult and emotional times.

Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact in people's lives is truly rewarding. Family lawyers provide a crucial service, helping families in need navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensuring that their rights are protected.

For those passionate about helping families in need, a career as a family lawyer can be a fulfilling pursuit. It requires hard work, devotion, and dedication to master the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively handle intricate cases, but the sense of purpose that comes from helping families during their time of need is well worth it.

Why Choose Exeter?

Exeter, located in the southwestern part of the UK, is a city that offers a unique and attractive quality of life. Ivy-covered stone buildings intermingle with contemporary structures, creating a distinctive blend of old and new. The city is home to a thriving cultural scene, with a rich history spanning back to the Roman era.

A diverse range of events, such as the internationally renowned Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink and the Exeter Literary Festival, will leave you spoilt for choice. Additionally, Exeter’s natural beauty is hard to match, with the River Exe winding its way through the city and picturesque parks and gardens dotted throughout. If you are looking for a city that combines history, culture, and nature in one package, Exeter is the perfect place to call home.

Why Choose Exeter For a Career in Family Law?

Exeter is a city that boasts a rich history and a thriving legal community. In recent years, the demand for family law services has grown significantly, and Exeter has become a hub for lawyers who specialise in this area. One of the reasons why so many legal professionals choose to practice family law in Exeter is the city's supportive environment.

The local legal community is close-knit and collaborative, with lawyers often working together to achieve the best outcomes for their clients. Exeter is a great place to live and work, with a high quality of life and excellent opportunities for career growth. Whether you're a seasoned family law practitioner or just starting your career in this field, Exeter is a city that offers ample opportunities for professional success and personal fulfillment.

Why Choose Family Law as a Career?

Choosing a career path can be a daunting task, but for those who have a passion for family law, the rewards can be immeasurable. Family law lawyers have the opportunity to make a significant impact in people's lives during some of their most difficult times. As a family law attorney, you would be working on cases that involve the most important aspects of a person's life: their children, their finances, and their homes.

The ability to help families navigate through their legal issues and find a sense of closure is a powerful motivator. If you have a strong desire to help others and are committed to making a real difference in your community, family law may be the perfect career choice for you.

Qualifications needed to become a Family Lawyer in Exeter

Education

The legal profession has undergone some changes in recent years, with increased focus on making it more accessible to a wider range of aspiring lawyers. In the past, the legal profession was often seen as an exclusive club, with a very specific educational path for those wishing to become lawyers. However, thanks to the evolution of the educational system, students now have a range of options to choose from. While GCSEs and A-Levels remain at the core of most law programs, the introduction of the Legal Apprenticeship program has provided a valuable alternative route for those who may not have previously considered law due to traditional educational requirements. This program enables students to gain work experience and earn a salary whilst working towards their legal qualifications. Overall, these various educational pathways have made a career in law more accessible and attainable for an increasingly diverse group of aspiring lawyers.

Professional

Aspiring lawyers in the UK can now breathe a sigh of relief with the news that the Solicitors Regulation Authority has approved an alternative route towards becoming a practicing solicitor. This more flexible approach ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or prior education experience.

The newly approved pathway requires individuals to complete a bachelor's degree in any field, gain two years of continuous work experience, and pass both phases of the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations. This means that the road to becoming a solicitor is now more achievable and realistic for many who may not have followed the traditional education route. This exciting development is an excellent opportunity for those who are looking to pursue a legal career and recognise that the legal profession should be more inclusive and accessible.

Local Universities and Law Courses near Exeter

University of Exeter - “Provides students with the foundation to pursue a professional legal career* Delivers a rigorous understanding of legal principles as well as an examination of law in different theoretical and social contexts with a constant eye on regional and global developments Our wide range of optional modules in your second and final years enable you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career ambitions Our Exeter Law Projects programme gives you the opportunity to observe or participate in activities involving the application of the law via many streams of pro bono opportunities”

University of Plymouth - Are you ready to make your mark in the legal world? Combine theory and practice to prepare for a successful career. Build a deep understanding of how the law works and apply this in the real world with the support of our experienced academic team including trained and practising solicitors. Study the topics that matter most to you with our range of optional modules. Volunteer in our on-campus, multi-award-winning Law Clinic that provides free legal advice to those who need it most in the region.

Family Law Work Experience

Family law is an area of practice that requires a comprehensive understanding of complex legal and emotional issues. Aspiring family law attorneys who want to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate their expertise in this field should consider gaining relevant experience and actively seeking out opportunities that allow them to showcase their dedication.

These opportunities include essay contests, small pupillages, and observing family court hearings. By seeking out and participating in these activities, aspiring attorneys gain essential insights into the industry and prove their passion and commitment to the work. Ultimately, it is through such experiences that law students can strengthen their skills and knowledge, setting them up for success in the competitive and demanding world of family law.

Expected Salary for a Family Lawyer in Exeter

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 Exeter, the average salary for a Family Law Lawyer is £46,761 (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 a field that presents a range of challenges, from complex domestic violence cases to highly emotional divorces. But beyond that, there is also an immense opportunity for practitioners to make a fundamental difference in the lives of their clients. As a legal practitioner, specialising in a particular subfield can help to deepen your understanding and knowledge of the subject matter, providing more comprehensive and tailored approaches to your clients.

When it comes to areas such as prenuptial agreements, child custody, or adoption, your expertise and guidance will prove invaluable to your clients. With compassion, empathy, and professionalism, the field of family law is not only challenging but also highly gratifying.

Visiting Stowe Family Law Divorce Lawyers Exeter

Our Exeter family solicitors office is located at Broadwalk House, Southernhay W, Exeter, EX1 1UA and is easily accessible to clients in the city centre. The office is a 10-minute walk away from Exeter Central train station.

You can call us on 01392 322469 from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.