Senior Childcare Paralegal in Barnsley

CRA Consulting is delighted to be working in partnership with a well-established and highly respected law firm in Barnsley to recruit an experienced Senior Childcare Paralegal to join its expanding Family and Childcare team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced childcare professional to become part of a busy and supportive department recognised for delivering outstanding client care across both public and private family law matters. You’ll work on a varied caseload, support solicitors on complex proceedings, and play an integral role in helping vulnerable children and families navigate often challenging legal situations. The firm is committed to investing in its people, offering a collaborative working environment, ongoing professional development and genuine opportunities for long-term career progression.

The Role

As a Senior Childcare Paralegal, you’ll manage your own caseload while providing valuable support on more complex matters. Working closely with solicitors and external professionals, you’ll ensure cases progress efficiently and clients receive the highest standard of legal support throughout every stage of their matter. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing a varied caseload of public and private childcare matters under appropriate supervision.
• Assisting solicitors with complex care proceedings, child protection cases, adoption matters and Special Guardianship Orders.
• Drafting court applications, witness statements, legal correspondence and other key documentation.
• Preparing court bundles and assisting with hearing preparation.
• Meeting with clients, taking instructions and providing regular updates throughout proceedings.
• Liaising with local authorities, barristers, courts, CAFCASS and other professionals involved in each case.
• Ensuring files progress in line with court timetables, procedural rules and internal quality standards.
• Maintaining accurate case management records, billing information and Legal Aid compliance.
• Supporting and mentoring junior members of the team where appropriate.

About You

We’re keen to speak with experienced Childcare or Family Paralegals who are passionate about this area of law and enjoy working in a client-focused environment. You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience within a Childcare or Family Law department.
• A strong understanding of public law childcare proceedings and Legal Aid processes.
• Experience handling or assisting with care proceedings, child protection matters, adoption applications and private children cases.
• Excellent drafting, organisational and case management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with a compassionate and professional approach to client care.
• The ability to manage a busy workload and prioritise competing deadlines.
• High levels of accuracy, attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Confidence using case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

While not essential, the following would be advantageous:

• Experience managing publicly funded childcare matters.
• Knowledge of local authority processes and public law care proceedings.
• Experience managing your own caseload with a high degree of autonomy.
• Progress towards, or an interest in, qualifying through CILEX, the SQE or another recognised legal route.

Salary & Benefits

In return, you’ll join a firm that genuinely values its people and offers an excellent working environment alongside a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Clear opportunities for career progression within a growing department.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Flexible working arrangements following successful completion of probation.
• The opportunity to work within a highly regarded Family and Childcare department with an excellent reputation across South Yorkshire.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected law firm where you’ll work on meaningful and rewarding cases that make a real difference to the lives of children and families. Whether you’re looking to build on your existing experience or take the next step towards qualification, you’ll benefit from high-quality work, strong supervision and a firm that is committed to supporting your long-term career.

Apply

If you’re interested in this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Apply via the link provided or contact Lauren Hopkinson at CRA Consulting for a confidential discussion.