How To Become A Family Lawyer In Manchester

Family law is a challenging yet rewarding field that offers an exceptional career path for those who wish to make a positive difference in people's lives. As a family law lawyer, you are responsible for providing expert legal counsel and emotional support to clients through some of the most difficult and life-changing moments they may face.

The practice of family law presents you with complex legal challenges that require intellectual stimulation. But more importantly, it presents you with the opportunity to guide individuals through tough legal issues like divorce, child custody, and adoption, helping them make informed decisions that can shape their future. If you're looking for a career that offers both personal fulfilment and intellectual stimulation, then family law is the perfect choice.

But how do you get from there to here?

The field of family law is not for the faint of heart. Family lawyers encounter a wide range of complex cases and emotional situations that require a high level of commitment and dedication. The work is incredibly rewarding as it provides an opportunity to make a real, meaningful impact in people's lives.

Whether it is helping a family navigate a difficult divorce or protecting a child's best interest in a custody battle, family lawyers are essential to ensuring that the legal system works for everyone. The dedication required for this work can be taxing, but watching a family come out of a difficult situation with a new sense of hope and security makes it all worth it.

Why Choose Manchester?

Manchester, located in the northwest of England, is a city known for its lively atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic economy. There are plenty of reasons why someone would choose to live in Manchester, from its vibrant nightlife and music scene to its world-class education and healthcare facilities. The city is also a hub for innovation, with a thriving tech industry and numerous business opportunities to explore.

The cost of living is relatively low compared to London and other major UK cities, making it an ideal place for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Whether you're interested in socialising, pursuing your career, or enjoying a high quality of life, Manchester has something to offer everyone.

Why Choose Manchester For a Career in Family Law?

Manchester is an excellent destination for a career in family law due to a variety of factors. Firstly, the city is home to some of the best-ranked law firms in the United Kingdom, providing ample job opportunities for those seeking employment in this field. Moreover, Manchester boasts a diverse population, allowing for a broad scope of family law cases to be taken on, providing a stimulating and rewarding work environment.

The city's developing infrastructure also makes it a popular destination, offering a high quality of life for those who chose to make it their home. Plus, local universities produce high quality legal professionals and attract legal expertise from across the UK. Overall, Manchester has everything that is needed to make a successful and fulfilling career in family law, making it a destination of choice for many legal professionals.

Why Choose Family Law as a Career?

Family law is an ideal career path for individuals who are passionate about helping others and have an interest in the legal system. This field offers numerous opportunities to assist clients going through legal proceedings related to family issues, such as divorce, child custody, and domestic abuse cases.

As a family lawyer, you will play a pivotal role in providing your clients with guidance and representation throughout the legal process. This challenging and rewarding career path offers the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of those that you serve. Whether you are looking to work within a law firm or branch out on your own, family law provides an excellent opportunity to combine your passion for helping others with your interest in the legal field.

Qualifications needed to become a Family Lawyer in Manchester

Education

The legal profession is no longer reserved for those who followed a very specific educational path. Thanks to advancements in the educational system, aspiring lawyers now have a wider range of options to choose from. While GCSEs and A-Levels continue to be at the core of most law programs, the introduction of the Legal Apprenticeship program has opened up new doors for students who have completed their A-Levels. This program not only offers a more hands-on approach to learning but also provides students with the opportunity to earn a salary while studying. As a result, it has become a popular route for those seeking a career in law. The exclusivity of the legal profession has been challenged, allowing anyone with a passion for the law to pursue their dreams.

Through this program, students can gain valuable work experience and earn a salary while working towards their qualification.

Professional

Aspiring lawyers have reason to celebrate with the recent approval of an alternative path toward becoming a practicing solicitor. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has given the green light to a new route that allows individuals to achieve their legal ambitions without the traditional degree requirements. This alternative pathway requires a bachelor's degree in any field, two years of continuous work experience, and the successful completion of both phases of the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations. With this exciting development, aspiring lawyers can now enter the legal profession in as little as five years. It's an encouraging time for those interested in the law, and this new avenue offers an excellent opportunity to pursue a rewarding career.

The traditional route of pursuing a legal career can be daunting, and may not be a viable option for everyone. However, the new, more flexible approach that has been introduced definitely offers a great alternative. This pathway allows anyone who is passionate about law to explore this field without being limited by their background or prior educational experience.

The new system ensures that everyone is given an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams. This is a wonderful step forward in creating a more diverse and enriched legal community that can better serve society. With a more open and accessible pathway, aspiring legal professionals can now chart their own journey towards success, based on their unique skills, talents and interests.

Local Universities and Law Courses near Manchester

The University of Manchester - “Study at a globally recognised institution that brings together research-informed study and practice-led approaches to law. Gain hands-on experience by volunteering with professionals in our Justice Hub and Legal Advice Centre or through applied law options.”

Manchester Metropolitan University - "I got to experience lots of incredible opportunities. The law school's commercial law clinic called the Business Law Café, run with international law firm Addleshaw Goddard, was my favourite."

The University of Liverpool - “Law is not just about learning what the rules are, but about thinking about what they should be.

This degree offers a truly modern legal education reflecting the needs and concerns of society in the 21st century. Whether you are planning a career in the legal profession or a career in almost any other field of expertise, this degree will challenge and inspire you.”

Family Law Work Experience

In pursuit of a career in family law, there are a range of opportunities available for law students to gain relevant experience. These include participating in essay contests on family law topics, shadowing an experienced family lawyer during a small pupillage, or marshalling for a judge during a family court hearing.

These experiences go beyond mere theoretical knowledge and offer first-hand insights into the workings of the industry. They offer students a unique platform to showcase their passion, commitment, and knowledge of the challenges and rewards of practicing family law. In a competitive job market, relevant work experience is vital for law students to prove their value to prospective employers. By taking advantage of these opportunities, law students can stand out as knowledgeable and enthusiastic candidates in the field of family law.

Expected Salary for a Family Lawyer in Manchester

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 Manchester, the average salary for a Family Law Lawyer is £47,976 (10% 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

The field of family law presents a unique opportunity for legal practitioners to have an impactful role in their clients' lives. While it can be challenging, the satisfaction of helping families navigate complex legal issues is immeasurable.

From divorce proceedings to domestic violence cases, family law encompasses a broad range of legalities. To truly make a difference, however, it is essential to specialise in a particular subfield. By honing skills in a specific area, lawyers can provide clients with tailored approaches to their unique situations. Ultimately, specialising in family law will allow lawyers to effectively advocate for their clients and improve outcomes for families in need.

Visiting Stowe Family Law Manchester

Stowe Family Law’s Manchester office is located in:

Cubo Spinningfields, No. 1, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3EB.

The office is close to Salford Central, Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Piccadilly stations (7, 18 and 20-minute walk respectively) which offer connections to Stockport and the wider Cheshire area.

There is parking available at NCP Manchester Spinningfields, a 1-minute walk away from the office.

We also have an office in Altrincham for those clients who cannot travel to Manchester City centre.

Our phone lines are open from 8:30am – 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.