Family Team Legal Assistant - Shirley, Southampton

Shirley, Southampton | Full time | Permanent | Office based

Family work asks more of a support professional than most practice areas. Clients are often in difficult circumstances, deadlines are court driven, and documents go through repeated rounds of amendment.

RecQuest is recruiting on behalf of a long established Hampshire law firm looking to add a Legal Assistant to its busy Family department. This is an established team with a steady flow of work, not a newly created role that may or may not settle.

The Role

• Producing legal documents, making amendments using tracked changes and preparing comparison documents

• Diary management, including organising meetings, appointments and hearing dates

• Supporting fee earners across a varied privately funded family caseload

• Client contact by telephone and email, handled with discretion

• Maintaining files and case management records to a high standard

About You

• Previous experience in a legal support role (essential)

• Family law experience (desirable, though the firm will consider strong support experience from another discipline)

• Confident with tracked changes, comparison documents and version control

• Strong organisational skills and genuine attention to detail

• Comfortable dealing with clients at sensitive moments

Why Consider It

• An established department with a reliable flow of work

• A firm with a long local presence and a reputation for looking after its support staff

• Shirley is an easier commute than a city centre office for most of west Southampton

If you are weighing up a move, our guide on how to prepare for legal secretary interviews is worth a read first.

All conversations are strictly confidential. To discuss this role, or family support roles across Hampshire, contact Ben Holtom at RecQuest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a family legal assistant do?

A family legal assistant supports fee earners across divorce, financial remedy and children matters. The work covers producing and amending legal documents, preparing court bundles and comparison documents, managing diaries around hearing dates, maintaining case files, and acting as a first point of contact for clients who are often going through a difficult period.

What salary can a family legal assistant expect in Southampton?

Legal assistant salaries in Southampton typically range from around £24,000 to £30,000 depending on experience. Family law support tends to sit at the middle to upper end of that band, reflecting the emotional demands and the court-driven deadlines.

Do I need family law experience specifically?

It is preferred but not essential. Strong legal support experience from another discipline, combined with a genuine interest in family work, would be considered. The technical skills transfer; what matters most is how you handle clients.

What software will I be expected to use?

Confidence with Microsoft Word, particularly tracked changes and document comparison, is the main requirement. Case management systems vary by firm and training is provided.

Is hybrid working available?

No. This is a full time office based role. Family departments rely on close working between fee earners and support staff, particularly around hearing preparation.