Child Care Solicitor (1-10 PQE, Various Roles)

Child Care Solicitor

Location: UK wide

Job Purpose:
We are seeking a skilled Child Care Solicitors to join our team, where you will provide expert legal support to parents, grandparents, other family members, interveners, and children directly or through their CAFCASS-appointed Children’s Guardian. You will also manage legal aid applications, oversee CCMS procedures, and assist in preparing for court proceedings, ensuring that the Child Care team delivers exceptional service to clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of Child Care law, offering expert guidance and support to team members and clients.
• Manage and supervise a team of solicitors, trainee solicitors, and paralegals, ensuring appropriate caseload management.
• Assist in providing training and development opportunities within the team.
• Handle a diverse range of cases including Legal Aid/CCMS procedures, Care Orders, Interim Care Orders, Special Guardianship Orders, Adoption Orders, Domestic Abuse cases, Child Arrangement Orders, and more.
• Represent clients such as parents, grandparents, and children, directly or through their CAFCASS-appointed Guardian.
• Contribute to department growth by developing business relationships and generating new work opportunities.

Performance Measures:

• Client and manager satisfaction.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Successful management of your caseload with minimal supervision.
• High-quality work and adherence to time recording and fee targets.

Job Description:

• Manage a range of Child Care cases, from initial applications to complex court proceedings.
• Provide technical advice to clients and team members, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services.
• Supervise and guide junior colleagues, ensuring they effectively manage cases and meet deadlines.
• Attend court, conferences, and hearings, providing own advocacy where applicable.
• Support business development efforts, networking to bring in new clients and expand the firm’s reach.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity policies, and maintain client confidentiality in line with GDPR regulations.

Work Environment:
We offer flexibility in how you work, whether from the office, home, or another location of your choice. Our aim is to ensure you have a productive and comfortable workspace.

Benefits:

• 26 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Additional day off for your birthday after one year of service.
• Company pension scheme.
• Medicash Health Plan.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Social events and internal progression opportunities.
• Bonus opportunities.
• Hybrid working (3 days in the office, 2 days working from home).

Person Specification:

• You will be a Child Care Solicitor with 1 to 10 years PQE (applications from all experience levels are welcomed).
• Strong working knowledge of Child Care law, best practices, and legal aid processes.
• Experience managing a diverse caseload and working with vulnerable clients.
• Excellent client care skills with the ability to communicate complex legal matters in a clear, jargon-free manner.
• Strong advocacy skills are advantageous but not essential.
• Business development and networking capabilities are essential.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure, meeting tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Experience supporting junior team members is a plus.
• Familiarity with legal case management systems.

Qualifications:

• Child Care Solicitor with 1-10 years PQE (applications are welcome from all experience levels).
• Law Society Children Panel Accreditation highly desirable
• Valid, clean Practicing Certificate at the time of application.