Yarwood Holmes Law Limited Whickham and Low Fell

22/09/2026

12/08/2026

And another vacancy!

Family Law Paralegal

Department: Family Law
Location: Cramlington
Contract: Full Time
Salary: competitive
Reports to: Head of Family Law

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Paralegal to join our growing Family Law team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is passionate about family law and wishes to develop a long-term career within the legal profession.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience across both Private Law and Public Law Children matters, working alongside experienced solicitors and supporting clients through often complex and sensitive family circumstances.

In addition, the role will involve work in cases relating to divorce and financial remedy proceedings, as well as matters involving domestic abuse, providing a broad and varied exposure to all key areas of family law practice.

We are committed to supporting the successful candidate’s professional development and providing a clear pathway for career progression within the firm, including opportunities to develop the skills and experience required to progress towards qualification as a solicitor.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will assist with a varied caseload, including:

Private Law Children

• Assisting with applications concerning child arrangements, parental responsibility and other Children Act matters.
• Supporting solicitors with cases involving disputes between parents and other family members.
• Preparing case files, chronologies, bundles and court documentation.
• Assisting with the preparation of statements and evidence.
• Communicating with clients and providing appropriate administrative and case support.
• Liaising with courts, Cafcass, counsel and other professionals.
• Assisting with preparation for hearings and attending court where appropriate.

Public Law Children

• Assisting solicitors with care and supervision proceedings involving local authorities.
• Supporting cases involving applications under the Children Act 1989.
• Preparing chronologies, case summaries, hearing bundles and other relevant documentation.
• Assisting with the preparation of statements and evidence.
• Liaising with local authorities, Cafcass, counsel, experts and other professionals.
• Assisting with the preparation of cases for interim and final hearings.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records and ensuring court deadlines are met.

Divorce, Financial Remedy and Domestic Abuse Matters

• Assisting with divorce proceedings and financial remedy applications.
• Supporting solicitors in the preparation of financial disclosure, Forms E and other court documentation.
• Assisting with the preparation of schedules of assets, income and needs-based assessments.
• Supporting cases involving domestic abuse, including assisting with applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders.
• Preparing court bundles, statements and supporting documentation in financial and protective proceedings.
• Liaising with clients, courts, counsel and other professionals involved in financial and protective family law matters.

General Duties

• Provide high-quality support to solicitors and the wider Family Law team spread across all offices.
• Undertake legal research and assist with the preparation of legal documents.
• Draft routine correspondence and documentation under appropriate supervision.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper files.
• Monitor case deadlines and assist with ensuring compliance with court directions.
• Communicate professionally and sensitively with clients, particularly those who may be vulnerable or experiencing difficult circumstances.
• Assist with the preparation of legal aid documentation where applicable.
• Support the department with general administrative and case-management duties.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection, SRA requirements and the firm’s policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a commitment to excellent client care and professional standards.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about pursuing a career in Family Law.
• Educated to degree level, preferably with a law degree or relevant legal qualification.
• Ideally has completed, or is working towards, the SQE or another recognised legal qualification, although relevant experience will also be considered.
• Organised, reliable and able to manage competing priorities.
• A confident and effective communicator, both verbally and in writing.
• Able to demonstrate strong attention to detail.
• Empathetic and professional when dealing with clients in difficult and sensitive circumstances.
• A team player who is willing to learn and take responsibility.
• Proactive and enthusiastic about developing their legal knowledge and practical skills.
• Committed to building a long-term career within the legal profession.

Previous experience within a Family Law environment is desirable but not essential. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate genuine commitment to developing their career in family law.

Career Development and Progression

This role is designed to provide the successful candidate with meaningful legal experience and a pathway for career progression.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Gain practical experience across Private Law, Public Law Children, divorce, financial remedy and domestic abuse work.
• Work closely with experienced family solicitors and develop your legal skills.
• Build experience in client care, case management, legal research and advocacy.
• Develop an understanding of the conduct of family proceedings from initial instruction through to conclusion.
• Receive supervision, mentoring and ongoing training.
• Develop the skills and experience required for progression within the legal profession.
• Explore opportunities to progress towards qualification as a solicitor, subject to performance, experience and the firm’s available training opportunities.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who see this position as the first step in a long-term career with the firm.

Why Join Us?

You will be joining a supportive and ambitious Family Law team where your development is valued. We aim to provide our paralegals with genuine exposure to legal work rather than purely administrative responsibilities, allowing you to develop the practical skills and confidence needed to progress your career.

If you are hardworking, committed and passionate about helping families and children, this could be an excellent opportunity to start or develop your career in Family Law.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in Family Law, your relevant experience and your career aspirations to Helen Liffen, Practice Manager

Email - [email protected]

Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Start Date: 1 October 2026

12/08/2026

Another vacancy to add to our growing team at YHL!

Newly Qualified Solicitor – Family Law (Public Law Children)

Position: Newly Qualified Solicitor
Department: Family Law – Public Law Children
Location: Blyth
Contract: Full Time
Salary: competitive
Reports to: Head of Public Law Family - Gillie Robson

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and committed Newly Qualified Solicitor to join our Family Law team, specialising in Public Law Children work.

This is an excellent opportunity for an NQ solicitor to develop their career within a supportive and experienced team, undertaking a varied caseload involving children and families where local authorities are involved in care proceedings.

You will be responsible for managing your own caseload with appropriate supervision and will have the opportunity to develop your advocacy, case management and client-care skills.

Key Responsibilities

* Conduct a caseload of public law children matters, including care and supervision proceedings.
* Advise and represent parents and other relevant family members in Children Act proceedings.
* Provide clear, sensitive and practical legal advice to clients, often in challenging and emotionally complex circumstances.
* Prepare applications, statements, orders, case summaries and other court documentation.
* Attend and conduct hearings, including case management hearings, interim hearings and final hearings, subject to experience and appropriate supervision.
* Liaise effectively with clients, counsel, Cafcass, social workers, local authorities, experts and other professionals.
* Prepare cases thoroughly and ensure compliance with court directions and procedural requirements.
* Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records.
* Manage deadlines and ensure matters progress efficiently.
* Consider and advise on evidence, including social work assessments, expert reports and safeguarding concerns.
* Negotiate where appropriate and seek to resolve matters in the best interests of the client and the child.
* Maintain high standards of client care, confidentiality and professional conduct.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute positively to the wider Family Law team.
* Ensure compliance with SRA requirements, firm policies and relevant legislation and procedural rules.

Candidate Requirements

The successful candidate will:

* Be a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, newly qualified or recently qualified.
* Have completed a training seat or gained relevant experience in Family Law/Public Law Children.
* Demonstrate a genuine interest in developing a career in public law children work.
* Have good knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Family Procedure Rules and relevant family law principles.
* Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Demonstrate sound analytical and organisational abilities.
* Be confident dealing with clients who may be vulnerable or experiencing difficult personal circumstances.
* Have strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
* Demonstrate professionalism, resilience and empathy.
* Be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
* Have a commitment to providing high-quality legal advice and representation.

What We Offer

* A supportive and approachable team environment.
* Structured supervision and mentoring suitable for an NQ solicitor.
* Opportunities to develop advocacy and case-management experience.
* Exposure to a varied and challenging public law children caseload.
* Ongoing professional development and training.
* Opportunities for career progression within the Family Law department.
* Competitive salary.

How to Apply

If you are a newly qualified solicitor looking to build your career in Public Law Children and are passionate about supporting children and families through complex legal proceedings, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role to Helen Holmes

Email address - [email protected]

Closing date: 4 September 2026

03/08/2026

Another exciting opportunity has arisen at Yarwood Holmes Law Limited.

We are recruiting for an experienced Secretary/Administrator to work full time within our Crime and Public Law Children Department at our Blyth Office

Qualifications/Skills

Education: 5 GCSE's (A*-C/ 5-9)or an equivalent qualification, or relevant administrative experience.
An NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Business Administration would be beneficial as well as typing/audio typing qualifications.
IT skills: Strong proficiency in standard IT software and the ability to learn new, specific in-house systems quickly.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with a wide range of people.
Organisational skills: Strong organisational, prioritisation, and time-management skills to handle a variety of tasks, often under pressure.
Attention to detail: The ability to complete documentation accurately and efficiently, often under time-critical conditions.

Tasks
Secretarial Support
• Provide high-quality secretarial support to solicitors and fee earners.
• Prepare, format and amend legal documents, correspondence and court forms.
• Audio and copy type legal documents accurately and efficiently.
• Manage solicitors’ diaries, appointments and court schedules.
• Arrange meetings, conferences and client appointments.
• Answer telephone calls professionally and deal with client enquiries.
• Welcome clients and visitors where required.
• Open, maintain and close client files in accordance with office procedures.
• Maintain accurate paper and electronic filing systems.
• Process incoming and outgoing post and emails.

• Assist with administrative tasks relating to:
o Public Law Children matters
o Crime matters
• Prepare court bundles and supporting documentation.
• Liaise with clients, courts, barristers, experts, local authorities and external agencies.
• Monitor key court deadlines and limitation dates.
• Ensure documents are filed promptly with the Family Court.

Legal Aid Administration
• Assist fee earners with Legal Aid Agency administration.
• Prepare legal aid applications and supporting documentation.
• Obtain financial evidence from clients.
• Upload documentation to legal aid systems where required.
• Assist with amendments, billing documentation and file preparation.
• Maintain accurate legal aid records.
• Ensure legal aid correspondence is appropriately filed.
• Support compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements.
• Prepare files for supervision, audits and file reviews.

Administrative Duties
• Maintain accurate client databases and case management systems.
• Scan, photocopy and electronically file documents.
• Prepare standard correspondence and legal forms.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information at all times.
• Assist with document production and general office administration.

Cross-Departmental Support
• Provide secretarial cover for other departments during annual leave, sickness absence and periods of increased workload.
• Assist departments including, where required:
o Private Family Law
o Conveyancing
o Wills and Probate
• Adapt quickly to differing departmental procedures and priorities.
• Support reception or general office administration where necessary.

Client Care
• Deliver excellent customer service to all clients.
• Deal with enquiries professionally, courteously and sensitively.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR and the firm’s confidentiality policies.
• Ensure clients are kept informed of appointments and requested documentation.

Compliance
• Comply with:
o Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations
o Legal Aid Agency requirements where applicable
o GDPR and Data Protection legislation
o Money Laundering Regulations/Legislation
o Office procedures and quality standards
o Health and Safety policies
• Maintain accurate records and filing systems.
• Report any compliance concerns to the appropriate supervisor.

Benefits:
Company pension
Death in Service Benefit
Generous Holiday Entitlement
Competitive Salary

Please send CV and letter of interest to [email protected]

22/05/2026

Our team have worked hard this week and their hard work has been appreciated by many - many firms pride themselves on awards and accolades from professionals voting other professionals - that’s not us, we pride ourselves in how our staff look after our clients - what our clients think of us is evident - well done YHL team

And a special mention goes to Rebecca Savage who has worked tirelessly on a contentious private matter which has resulted in the case being reported!

Rebecca has been successful in obtaining an order that an apparently regular will of the late relative of our client, ought to be passed over and that letters of administration ought to be granted to our client, the brother of the Deceased.

The matter was heard before HHJ Kelly, sitting as a Judge of the High Court, over the course of a four-day trial which concluded on 16 May 2026. The Claimant alleged that the purported Will submitted to probate by the Defendant, the long-term partner of the Deceased, was fraudulent.

Following a day of cross-examination by Counsel, the Defendant subsequently sought permission to withdraw his claim and indicated that he no longer sought to defend the Will. The Court pronounced against the validity of the alleged will, and the Defendant agreed to pay the costs of the Claimant.

The question of who ought to be granted letters of administration was adjourned so that the wider class of beneficiaries to the intestacy could be canvassed. Ultimately, the Court was satisfied that our client was the appropriate person to administer the estate, and letters of administration were duly granted to him.

An excellent outcome for our client which would not have been achieved without the firm funding a second Counsel’s opinion to support our client all due to Rebecca’s belief in the case!

12/04/2026

Last week our lovely Andrew Swatts and team received further fantastic reviews (5*) from clients via Review Solicitors

“Andrea Swatts has always gone above and beyond to facilitate our property , land and related contractual requirements . She is extremely knowledgable , professional and dedicated to delivering the highest level of client care and advice . I have instructed Andrea on numerous occasions over many years and would not hesitate to recommend her”

“Andrea and her team dealt with the recent sale of my house quickly & efficiently. I have used Andrea for many years for conveyancing and will continue to do so in the future. Her knowledge & communication are excellent and I would not hesitate to recommend her”

24/02/2026

Well done to Andrea and the team at Low Fell. We are very proud of our team at Low Fell and the hard work they put in to look after our lovely clients!

18/01/2026

Signage is now up for our new office in Low Fell!

We have been delighted to have been able to retain the former conveyancing staff from Hathaways who through no fault of their own found themselves without employment following the closure of Hathaways in December. The conveyancing team wanted to remain working in Low Fell to provide legal services to the Low Fell and the surrounding areas. We are delighted to have been able to make this happen and to expand upon the services available to the community.