At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Childcare Department and manage complex childcare cases.
- Company: Progressive law firm with a strong reputation in family and childcare law.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a growing team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape a department and make a real impact in childcare law.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in Childcare/Public Law and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Head of Childcare Department (Senior Solicitor)
Location: Coventry, West Midlands
Salary: Competitive + Leadership Package + Bonus Opportunities
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
About the Opportunity
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Childcare Solicitor to lead and develop a well-established Childcare Department within a nationally recognised law firm. This role offers the chance to join a growing and ambitious practice with a strong reputation for excellence in publicly funded family and childcare work. The firm is recognised by leading independent legal directories and has developed a reputation for delivering outstanding client care, high-quality legal services and meaningful career progression opportunities. The childcare team has experienced significant growth in recent years and continues to invest heavily in its people, infrastructure and regional presence. The successful candidate will play a key strategic role in establishing and leading the Coventry Childcare Department, driving growth, supervising and mentoring lawyers, and maintaining the highest standards of client service and legal excellence.
The Role
- Lead and manage a busy Childcare and Public Law Children team.
- Conduct your own caseload of complex childcare matters, including:
- Care Proceedings
- Supervision Orders
- Emergency Protection Orders
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Adoption Proceedings
- Deprivation of Liberty matters
- Cases involving non‑accidental injuries, abuse, neglect and safeguarding concerns.
- Develop and implement the department's strategic growth plans.
- Recruit, supervise and mentor solicitors, legal executives, trainees and support staff.
- Maintain compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and professional standards.
- Build and strengthen relationships with local authorities, guardians, barristers and other stakeholders.
- Contribute to business development, networking and profile‑raising activities across the region.
- Work closely with senior management on departmental performance, budgeting and growth initiatives.
About You
We are seeking an ambitious and commercially aware leader who combines technical excellence with a genuine passion for childcare law. You will ideally possess:
- A minimum of 8 years' PQE in Childcare/Public Law Children work.
- Law Society Children Panel Accreditation (essential).
- Significant advocacy and case management experience.
- Experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers.
- A proven track record of managing complex and sensitive childcare matters.
- Strong leadership, organisational and business development skills.
- Excellent client care and communication abilities.
- A desire to build and lead a successful regional team.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead and shape a department with genuine autonomy.
- A strong pipeline of publicly funded childcare work.
- Access to an established national network of specialist family and childcare lawyers.
- High-quality administrative and management support.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Clear career progression at senior leadership level.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Ongoing professional development and leadership training.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to join a progressive, people‑focused law firm that combines the resources and reputation of a national practice with the culture and accessibility of a regional firm. The organisation is recognised for its expertise in family and childcare law, commitment to legal aid work, and investment in the growth of its lawyers and departments. The firm has received recognition from both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and continues to expand its childcare offering across England.
Senior Childcare Solicitor in Coventry employer: About Early Years Ltd.
Join a progressive and people-focused law firm in Coventry, where you will have the opportunity to lead a well-established Childcare Department with genuine autonomy. The firm is committed to investing in your professional growth, offering competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and ongoing leadership training, all within a supportive culture that prioritises excellence in client care and legal services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Childcare Solicitor in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other professionals in childcare law. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past cases and achievements in childcare law. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your success stories and how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a firm you’re interested in, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly, express your interest, and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles, including the Senior Childcare Solicitor position. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Childcare Solicitor in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Childcare Solicitor. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in childcare law and leadership roles. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about childcare law and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a department, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others and driven growth in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and lead a team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at About Early Years Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of childcare law and the specific areas mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with care proceedings, supervision orders, and other complex matters. This shows that you're not just a fit for the role but also genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully supervised and mentored junior lawyers in the past. Highlight any strategies you've implemented to foster growth and maintain high standards of client service. This will demonstrate your capability as a leader.
✨Connect with Their Values
Research the firm’s reputation and values, especially their commitment to legal aid work and client care. During the interview, align your answers with these values to show that you’re not only a skilled solicitor but also a cultural fit for the firm.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about their strategic growth plans for the department or how they support professional development. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the firm is the right fit for you.
