At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage child care cases and provide expert guidance to team members.
- Company: Top-tier law firm with a commitment to diversity and professional development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent progression opportunities, and support for legal awards.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to client care and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Newly Qualified Solicitor with experience in Family/Child Care law.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 52000 £ per year.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd) is regulated by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority and was founded in 1998. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas. We are a paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, servicing both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages.
Our Child Care Department is highly specialised and ranked by The Legal 500 UK and Chambers & Partners UK for its expertise in all aspects of child care law. We assist guardians to represent children and represent parents, providing expert advice to adopted parents and birth parents considering adoption. The department also advises same-sex couples on child care matters, including arrangements following divorce, separation or dissolution of a civil partnership, adoption, co-parenting, and surrogacy.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Report directly to Department Director
- Responsible for all aspects of Child Care work including providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members
- Manage and supervise Trainee Solicitors and Caseworkers
- Assist with delivery of appropriate training and development in the department
- Deal with a range of public and private children cases including child abduction, child protection issues, special guardianship, and adoption matters
- Undertake your own advocacy
Key Skills Required:
- Newly Qualified (NQ) Solicitor
- Extensive experience in dealing with all Family / Child Care related work
- Clean, valid Practising Certificate at the time of applying
- Strong management skills
- Committed team player with ability to foster a culture of positive change
- Previous proven supervisory experience
- Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills
- Excellent networking and communication skills
- Working knowledge of publicly funded Child Care work
- Experience in own advocacy is an advantage
- Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications
What we offer:
- A fantastic supportive team
- Excellent progression opportunities
- Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition
Salary Structure - for Outside London:
- NQ: £40,000
- 1 Year PQE: £42,000
- 2 Years PQE: £43,500
- 3 Years PQE: £45,000
The Company will support your career progression if you decide to pursue Children Panel accreditation with the Law Society or Resolution. The total cost of progressing onto the Children panel is approximately £1700. Moving forward, we are looking to offer all new Children panel members a salary of £52,000 p.a. outside London.
Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post.
Children Law Solicitor - NQ (x2) - Milton Keynes in London employer: Duncan Lewis Solictors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and social justice. As a Public Law Paralegal, you will be part of a nationally recognised team, working on impactful cases that shape legal precedent while enjoying competitive benefits, flexible working options, and clear career progression opportunities in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children Law Solicitor - NQ (x2) - Milton Keynes in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
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✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Children Law Solicitor - NQ (x2) - Milton Keynes in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Duncan Lewis Solictors, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Duncan Lewis Solictors and the specific role of Children Law Solicitor - NQ (x2) - Milton Keynes. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Duncan Lewis Solictors’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis Solictors
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Duncan Lewis Solictors.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Duncan Lewis Solictors.
