At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Childcare team and manage a diverse caseload of public law matters.
- Company: Join a highly respected, Legal 500-ranked law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and a discretionary bonus scheme.
- Other info: This role offers excellent career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while shaping the future of a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Must have extensive public childcare law experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 72000 £ per year.
Lead a highly regarded Childcare team at a Legal-ranked law firm. Our client, a Legal-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 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:
- + 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?
- 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-recognised Childcare team with an outstanding reputation.
If you're looking to lead a successful Childcare department within a Legal law firm where your leadership will make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Full-time
Head of Public Childcare Law Team employer: Clayton Legal
Clayton Legal is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for Paralegals and Legal Executives to thrive. Located in Newark on Trent, the firm offers competitive benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to be part of a growing practice dedicated to delivering exceptional client service. Employees are encouraged to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to various caseloads in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Public Childcare Law Team
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Clayton Legal, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Clayton Legal and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Public Childcare Law Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Clayton Legal and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clayton Legal
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Clayton Legal, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Clayton Legal.
