Head of Childcare Department - Legal 500 Law Firm

Lead a highly regarded Childcare team at a Legal 500-ranked law firm.

Our client, a Legal 500-recognised and highly respected law firm, is seeking an experienced Head of Childcare Department to lead its established and successful public law team.

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished Children Panel Solicitor to step into a strategic leadership role, combining the management of a high-quality childcare caseload with the opportunity to shape, develop and inspire a dedicated team of 12 professionals, including Partners, solicitors, trainees and support staff.

Working within a collaborative and supportive environment, you'll play a pivotal role in driving the department's continued success while maintaining the exceptional client care and legal excellence for which the firm is recognised.

As Head of Department, you'll lead a busy and well-established Childcare team while managing your own varied caseload of public law matters. You'll provide technical supervision, strategic direction and operational oversight, ensuring the department continues to deliver outstanding results for clients.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a complex caseload of public childcare matters, including care proceedings, emergency protection applications, special guardianship orders and related family law issues.
• Providing advocacy and representation for parents, children, guardians and other parties.
• Supervising complex and high-risk cases across the department.
• Leading, mentoring and developing solicitors, trainees and support staff.
• Monitoring departmental performance, financial management and resource allocation.
• Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements, SRA regulations and court deadlines.
• Conducting appraisals and supporting ongoing training and development.

The ideal fit will be an experienced, approachable leader who enjoys developing others and thrives in a collaborative environment.

You’ll have:

• 10+ years' PQE with extensive public childcare law experience.
• Membership of the Law Society's Children Panel.
• Excellent advocacy and case strategy skills.
• Proven experience leading and supervising legal teams.
• Strong knowledge of Legal Aid funding and compliance.
• A supportive, team-focused leadership style.

What's on Offer?

• Hybrid working.
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced company sick pay.
• Discretionary bonus scheme (team and individual performance).
• Regular social events throughout the year.
• A genuinely supportive, collaborative culture.
• The opportunity to lead a highly respected Legal 500-recognised Childcare team with an outstanding reputation.

If you're looking to lead a successful Childcare department within a Legal 500 law firm where your leadership will make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.