How To Become A Family Lawyer In High Wycombe

Pursuing a career as a family law lawyer is a noble choice that can promise a future full of rewards and impact. This field is not only intellectually challenging, but it also provides the opportunity to positively influence the lives of others.

As a family law lawyer, you'll have a critical role in guiding your clients through some of the most difficult moments they will ever encounter, offering them unwavering legal advice, emotional support, and ethical guidance. With your expertise and knowledge, you'll play a central role in helping them make informed decisions that will ultimately have lasting effects on their lives.

A career in family law can afford you many opportunities for personal growth and professional development, all while making a real difference in the lives of your clients.

But how do you get from there to here?

Becoming a family lawyer is an ambitious undertaking that necessitates a high level of perseverance and effort. It's not enough to simply have the desire to assist families in distress; one must have a speciality in family law to guide clients through their complex circumstances.

The work can be time-intensive and challenging, but the reward of positively impacting individuals' lives is immeasurable. Through their expertise and experience, family lawyers have the ability to help their clients through some of their most trying times, safeguard their interests, and ensure that they are treated equitably.

For those who are devoted to the idea of advocating for families in legal matters, becoming a family lawyer is a path well worth pursuing.

Why Choose High Wycombe?

High Wycombe is a town with a rich history and an even brighter future. With a population of over 120,000, it is the largest town in Buckinghamshire, UK. High Wycombe has a bustling town centre, that offers an array of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a popular place to live.

The town has excellent transport links to other parts of the UK, with train services operating to London, Birmingham, and beyond. High Wycombe also boasts an impressive range of schools, both state and private, and is home to Buckinghamshire New University, making it an ideal location for families with children and young adults. With a strong sense of community and close proximity to beautiful countryside, High Wycombe offers an enviable lifestyle that is hard to match.

Why Choose High Wycombe For a Career in Family Law?

High Wycombe is a city that has emerged as a hub for family law practitioners in recent years. With its central location within the country and proximity to key towns and cities such as Oxford, London, and Reading, High Wycombe offers lawyers in the area an ideal place to begin or continue their careers in family law.

The city is home to a number of renowned family law firms, offering a plethora of opportunities for those seeking to establish their careers in this field. From working with leading lawyers to representing a diverse client base, High Wycombe offers everything that a family law practitioner could possibly desire.

If you're looking to pursue a career in family law or simply wish to further your current career in this area, High Wycombe is the perfect location to do so.

Why Choose Family Law as a Career?

For those interested in a career in law and who have a passion for aiding families through difficult times, choosing family law may be a worthy option. As a family lawyer, you have the opportunity to become a problem solver, counsellor, and advocate for your clients.

Cases in family law are varied and can range from divorce, child custody disputes, adoption, and domestic violence. Each day, you work towards resolving issues for your clients with legal knowledge and empathy. Although the work can be emotionally challenging at times, the reward of helping families find resolution and closure can be fulfilling.

Qualifications needed to become a Family Lawyer in High Wycombe

Educational

Becoming a lawyer has historically been seen as a very structured and academic path, but over time, there have been changes in how a legal career can be achieved.

Apprenticeship programs

One such change is the development of Legal Apprenticeship programs. These programs are designed for individuals who have completed their A-Levels but have not completed their university degree.

By participating in a Legal Apprenticeship program, individuals can gain hands-on experience in a law firm while also earning a qualification. This approach allows those interested in a legal career to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge, leading to a more well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the field. It's an exciting opportunity for those looking for a non-traditional path to a successful legal career.

The additional benefit of this Legal Apprenticeship route is that it offers a more affordable option for aspiring lawyers, as they earn a wage while studying, avoiding the need for student loans. For those considering a future career in law, a Legal Apprenticeship program could provide a viable and attractive alternative pathway.

Traditional Route

A career in law demands a significant amount of perseverance and persistence. It requires a commitment to years of education and practical experience, beginning with at least five years of dedicated study to become a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer.

Another avenue to explore is earning a bachelor's degree, obtaining certified qualifications, and going through intensive training. This challenging but rewarding pathway involves gaining practical experience while studying simultaneously. Success in the field of law is reliant on hard work and diligence, and those who maintain a strong work ethic and unwavering dedication are sure to flourish in their careers.

Professional

The Solicitors Regulation Authority recently announced an exciting new development that is set to change the way individuals approach the legal profession. This innovative new pathway allows aspiring solicitors to achieve their career goals within just five years, providing greater flexibility and choice for those seeking a legal career. The pathway involves the completion of a bachelor's degree in any field, followed by two years of continuous work experience before taking on the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations.

One of the most attractive features of this new pathway is that it doesn't have any specific degree requirements, allowing individuals from a range of backgrounds to pursue their legal aspirations. With this new option available, the legal profession is set to become more accessible and inclusive than ever before.

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

Instead, two standard tests will be implemented to assess candidates, thus providing a fresh perspective on how to measure the necessary competencies and standards for a prospective lawyer. This innovative approach has generated a great deal of anticipation and excitement among those who stand to benefit from it. Lawyers and law students alike are eager to see how these new requirements can transform the legal profession for years to come.

Local Universities and Law Courses near High Wycombe

Buckinghamshire New University

“Be at the centre of law and order, governance and justice as you learn about the fundamentals that underpin all aspects of society with the BNU LLB (Hons) Law degree. Having a degree that meets the requirements of the Solicitors Regulatory Authority, the academic stage requirements for the new, centralised external Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and Bar council will provide the perfect opportunity to kickstart your legal career and gain insider knowledge of the law.”

University of Reading

“Join the University of Reading’s School of Law, where you’ll benefit from the expertise and practice of established legal scholars and enjoy a global community. We actively shape law and policy; our experts regularly contribute to international and UK policy development and law reforms, and we encourage students to learn and question the purpose and impact of laws.”

Family Law Work Experience

Family law is a specialised area of legal practice that requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities that can arise in family disputes. As such, those seeking a career in family law must showcase practical work experience to demonstrate their commitment, knowledge, and understanding of this field.

This can be accomplished through a variety of avenues, such as participating in law essay contests, shadowing a seasoned family lawyer during a small pupillage, or marshalling for a judge during a family court hearing.

These experiences provide invaluable insights into the workings of the industry and allow aspiring family lawyers to gain firsthand experience of the intricacies of the legal system. Practical experience is crucial to success in family law, and those who demonstrate a true passion for the field will be best positioned to succeed in their careers.

Expected Salary for a Family Lawyer in High Wycombe

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 High Wycombe, the average salary for a Family Law Lawyer is £34,410 (36% 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 Specialty in Family Law

Family law is a complex area of the legal profession that can present both challenges and opportunities for those who specialise in it. Practitioners in this field must have a high level of skill and expertise to handle cases that often involve deep emotions and intense conflict. Despite the difficulties, however, specialising in family law can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By focusing on a particular area of practice, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, or domestic violence, lawyers can establish themselves as trusted advisors and advocates for their clients. Specialising in a sub-field also allows for a deeper understanding of the unique legal issues and can open up opportunities for continued growth and development.

Visiting Stowe Family Law Divorce Lawyers High Wycombe

Our team of lawyers in High Wycombe are located at 1 Aston Court, Kingsmead Business Park, Frederick Pl, (HP11 1JU), within close proximity of the M40 and M25, providing easy access to Birmingham and London.

High Wycombe town centre is 2 miles away (49 minute walk) with local buses 37 and X74 running to the railway station.

You can call us 01494 647070 from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.