At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal support in Child Care cases, managing your own caseload.
- Company: Dynamic law firm in London with a focus on Child Care law.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, flexible working, company pension, and health plan.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
- Qualifications: Child Care Solicitor with 1-10 years PQE and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Experience / Qualifications
You will be a Child Care Solicitor with at least 3 years PQE.
Department: Child Care
Location: London
Job Purpose
You will form an important part of our team, providing expertise to parents, grandparents, other family members, interveners and children directly or through their CAFCASS appointed Children's Guardian. Overseeing due diligence to legal aid applications and CCMS procedures. Making preparations for court such as court bundles and instructing counsel. Ensuring the Child Care team provides a quality, first class service.
Performance measures:
- Manager/client satisfaction
- Ability to multi-task and work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Running your own caseload with limited supervision
- Quality of work drafted and completed
- Achieving time recording targets
- Achieving costs/fees targets
Job Description
Covering all aspects of Child Care work, you will provide technical expertise and guidance to team members and external clients. You will manage and supervise colleagues, i.e. solicitors, trainee solicitors and caseworkers/paralegals to manage appropriate caseload types and complexities. Assisting with the delivery of appropriate training and development opportunities within the team.
Varied duties including dealing with a range of care work including:
- All Legal Aid/CCMS procedures
- Care Orders
- Interim Care Orders
- Supervision Order
- Interim Supervision Orders
- Emergency Protection Orders
- Police Protection Orders
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Placement Orders
- Adoption Orders
- International Adoption Orders
- Pre Proceedings Meetings
- Child protection case Conferences
- Child protection review Conferences
- Defending allegations of injury, abuse or neglect
- Child Arrangement Orders
- Domestic abuse/violence cases
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- Specific Issue Orders
You will represent parents, grandparents, other family members and children directly or through their CAFCASS appointed Children's Guardian. To develop the department and generate work and build upon existing contacts.
We give you the freedom to work how you want whether that's in the office, at home or a space of your choosing. We want your workspace to be a productive place.
Responsibilities
Organisation: Independently managing your own casework, liaising with clients, providing advice over the phone, by email and other mediums. Analysing large volumes of legal information at speed and with a high level of accuracy. Working to strict deadlines, logically and methodically with a meticulous eye for detail.
Client Care: Taking a professional proactive approach to work, with a strong client care focus. Dealing with vulnerable clients and children in a sensitive manner to resolve complicated matters surrounding Child Care cases.
Drafting: Preparing and drafting documents including witness statements and processing evidence. Preparing documents to meet legal requirements.
Case Types: Managing a varied general Child Care caseload, including:
- All Legal Aid
- CCMS procedures
- Care Orders
- Interim Care Orders
- Supervision Order
- Interim Supervision Orders
- Emergency Protection Orders
- Police Protection Orders
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Placement Orders
- Adoption Orders
- International Adoption Orders
- Pre Proceedings Meetings
- Child protection case Conferences
- Child protection review Conferences
- Defending allegations of injury, abuse or neglect
- Child Arrangement Orders
- Domestic abuse/violence cases
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- Specific Issue Orders
You will represent parents, grandparents, other family members and children directly or through their CAFCASS appointed Children's Guardian.
Court: Attending conferences and undertaking own advocacy at Court.
Growth: Business development and marketing to support the work volumes brought in by the Firm. Demonstrating excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to promote the Firm to generate new business.
Commerciality: Ability to apply the Law with a degree of commerciality. Prepared to give your viewpoint to clients in a jargon-free manner. Understanding of other practice areas that may cross over into Child Care e.g. Family Law.
Health And Safety: Complying with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Taking responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others.
Equality And Diversity: Carrying out responsibilities in line with our Equal Opportunities Policy and Procedure and Equality & Diversity Policy.
Confidentiality: Maintaining confidentiality of information relating to clients, colleagues and other third parties in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR, including outside of the work environment.
Person Specification Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
- Ideally has experience of working in a multi-site, fast-paced legal business in a Child Care Solicitor role working across a variety of cases.
- You will be a Child Care Solicitor with between 1 year to 10 years PQE (there is no upper limit regarding the amount of experience and applications are invited from even the most experienced candidates).
- Has a working knowledge of best practice within Child Care.
- A Guardian following and your own networks across the geographical area would be highly advantageous but not an essential requirement.
- You will have strong business development capabilities.
- Experience in own advocacy is an advantage, but not an essential requirement.
- Demonstrates a positive, friendly, flexible, and capable manner, and can build relationships quickly.
- Works ethically and sensitively to support vulnerable individuals through Child Care processes.
- Has strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Has excellent time management, organisational and computer skills including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as document management systems.
- Is familiar with a legal case management system.
- Strong client facing and good influencing skills, able to deal with queries both verbally and in written format, in a jargon-free manner.
- Is able to ensure a high level of service with existing clients in order to secure repeat business.
- Stays up-to-date with the latest relevant legislation, policy changes and changes in the Law.
- Remains efficient and productive under pressure.
- Ideally has experience of supporting junior colleagues within a small team.
- Works to ambitious targets with stretching KPIs and complies and delivers within set deadlines.
Education/qualification requirements:
- You will be a Child Care Solicitor with between 1 year to 10 years PQE (there is no upper limit regarding the amount of experience and applications are invited from even the most experienced candidates).
- Accredited with the Law Society (Children Panel Accredited).
- Must have a clean, valid Practicing Certificate at time of application.
Package:
- 26 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
- After a year service get birthday off
- Company Pension
- Medicash Heath Plan
- Flexible working
- Social Events
- Encouragement of internal progression
- Opportunity to earn bonus
- Hybrid working 3 days in the office 2 days working from home.
Apply now: You can apply for this position by sending your CV and covering letter to us. We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities.
Child Care Solicitors employer: Cartwright King Solicitors
As a leading Child Care Solicitor firm in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to internal progression, we empower our solicitors to thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable clients. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence in legal care.
Contact Details:
Cartwright King Solicitors Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Care Solicitors
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the legal field, especially those who work in Child Care. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for new opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your best work, including case studies or examples of successful outcomes. This will help you stand out when you meet potential employers or clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s a casual chat or a formal interview, being able to clearly articulate your experience and what you bring to the table is key. Keep it concise and engaging!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented Child Care Solicitors like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Care Solicitors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Child Care Solicitor role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially your PQE and any specific cases you've handled that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share your passion for child care law and how your skills can contribute to our mission of providing first-class service.
Showcase Your Client Care Skills:Since client care is key in this role, give examples of how you've successfully managed sensitive situations with clients in the past. We want to see your proactive approach and empathy!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cartwright King Solicitors
✨Know Your Child Care Law
Brush up on the latest legislation and best practices in child care law. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios that demonstrate your understanding and experience. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Client Care Skills
Since this role involves dealing with vulnerable clients, be ready to share examples of how you've handled sensitive situations in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically, as this is crucial in child care law.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Talk about your experience managing a varied caseload and meeting strict deadlines. Use specific examples to illustrate how you prioritise tasks and ensure quality work, especially when under pressure. This will reassure them of your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would approach certain child care cases. Prepare by thinking through various scenarios, such as handling a Care Order or an Emergency Protection Order. This will help you demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills during the interview.
