At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload and undertake advocacy in sensitive childcare cases.
- Company: Join Crane & Staples, a leading firm with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced family policies, and a performance-based bonus scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public law while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years PQE in family law and experience in court advocacy.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join Our Leading Public Law Care Team. Crane & Staples LLP is seeking a Child Care Solicitor Advocate with 2+ years’ PQE to join our highly respected, Legal 500 and Chambers ranked Public Law Care Team. Our team has an excellent reputation for handling complex and sensitive childcare cases with professionalism, empathy and integrity. We are proud to deliver high-quality legal services while maintaining a supportive, collaborative working environment where every individual is genuinely valued.
This is an opportunity to become part of a firm where you are not just another number. You will be encouraged to build your own profile, develop your advocacy skills, and establish a long-term career within a trusted and well-established Hertfordshire firm.
Why Join Crane & Staples?
- A genuinely collaborative and supportive team culture
- The opportunity to develop your reputation in public law childcare work
- High-quality caseloads involving complex and meaningful matters
- A clear pathway for career progression and long-term development
- An environment where you can settle, grow, and make a name for yourself
We are proud to offer an excellent working environment, a competitive salary, and a strong focus on work-life balance.
The Role
You will play a key role within our Public Law Care Team, managing your own caseload and undertaking advocacy in care proceedings. Our team is committed to resolving matters constructively wherever possible. However, where proceedings are required, you will have the opportunity to conduct your own advocacy, supported by an experienced team and an excellent network of leading counsel.
Types of Work
You will work on a broad range of public law matters, often involving:
- Non-accidental injury
- Abuse, including sexual abuse
- Fabricated or induced illness
- Neglect
- Drug and alcohol misuse
- Mental health issues
- Deprivation of Liberty
- Secure Accommodation
- Cases with criminal crossover
About You
We are looking for a Solicitor Advocate who brings both technical expertise and a genuine commitment to supporting clients through sensitive matters. You will have:
- A minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience in family law
- Proven experience undertaking court advocacy
- Confidence in managing care proceedings from initial instruction through to conclusion
- Children Panel Accreditation is advantageous but not essential. We are happy to support the right candidate to work towards this.
- A strong understanding of Legal Aid work, including experience using the Legal Aid Agency portal
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage your own caseload effectively
- A client-focused approach, demonstrating empathy and professionalism at all times
About the Team
Legal 500 ranked Family Department, with every eligible team member recognised as a Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer. Ranked in the UK-wide Chambers & Partners guide for Public Law. Long-standing reputation for handling complex and high-profile childcare cases. Strong in-house advocacy capability, with the ability to conduct hearings up to final hearing. Access to an excellent network of leading counsel, including King’s Counsel and professional expert witnesses.
Accreditations
Crane & Staples has been Lexcel accredited for over 20 years. All Family team members are part of Resolution. Individual accreditations include: Law Society Children Panel, Resolution Accredited Specialist.
Our Community
At Crane & Staples, community is the heart of what we do. As a long-established firm in Welwyn Garden City, we take pride in supporting local charities, initiatives and events, and in building strong relationships within our community. We encourage our team members to get involved in community and charity activities if they wish, whether through fundraising events, local partnerships or firm-led initiatives. It is an opportunity to contribute beyond your day-to-day role and be part of a firm that is committed to making a positive local impact.
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday plus one day’s birthday leave
- 50% contribution to parking costs
- Enhanced family policies
- Regular CPD and training opportunities
- Clear progression framework
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- Discounted legal fees
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to Karen Angel, Office Manager: k.angel@crane-staples.co.uk.
Start Your Next Chapter
Join Crane & Staples and take the next step in your career with a firm that truly values excellence, empathy, integrity, and community. Here, you will have the opportunity not only to do meaningful work, but to build a lasting and fulfilling career in a supportive and respected team.
Child Care Solicitor Advocate (2+ years’ PQE) in Welwyn Garden City employer: Crane & Staples LLP
Crane & Staples LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. As part of our esteemed Public Law Care Team in Welwyn Garden City, you will engage in meaningful legal work while enjoying a clear pathway for career progression, competitive salary, and a strong focus on work-life balance. Join us to make a positive impact in the community and develop your advocacy skills in a firm that truly values its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Care Solicitor Advocate (2+ years’ PQE) in Welwyn Garden City
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in family law. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors from firms like Crane & Staples.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your advocacy skills! If you’ve got experience in court, be ready to discuss specific cases and how you handled them. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your commitment to supporting clients through sensitive matters.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the firm! Get to know Crane & Staples’ values and community involvement. When you understand their culture, you can tailor your conversations to show how you’d fit right in with their collaborative team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Crane & Staples.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Care Solicitor Advocate (2+ years’ PQE) in Welwyn Garden City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your experience in family law and advocacy. Highlight specific cases or achievements that showcase your skills and commitment to supporting clients through sensitive matters.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for public law childcare work and how you align with our values of empathy and integrity. Don’t forget to mention why you want to join Crane & Staples specifically.
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills:Since this role involves managing your own caseload and conducting advocacy, be sure to include examples of your court experience. Talk about the types of cases you've handled and any successful outcomes you've achieved.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crane & Staples LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your family law knowledge, especially around public law childcare matters. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that may come up during the interview. This shows you're not just qualified but genuinely interested in the field.
✨Show Your Empathy
Given the sensitive nature of the work, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to empathise with clients. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've shown compassion and understanding, as this will resonate well with the team at Crane & Staples.
✨Highlight Your Advocacy Skills
Since the role involves conducting your own advocacy, be ready to discuss your previous court experiences. Share specific instances where you successfully managed care proceedings, showcasing your confidence and competence in the courtroom.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the firm’s approach to complex cases or their team culture. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if Crane & Staples is the right fit for you.
