Childcare Solicitor (Head of Department)

Head of Childcare | Shropshire | National Law Firm | Leadership Opportunity

A leading national law firm is looking for an ambitious and experienced Head of Childcare to join its Shropshire team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an established Childcare lawyer who is looking for more than just a traditional fee-earning role. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of the Childcare offering, shape its future and build a team around you.

The Opportunity

• Leading and developing the Childcare practice
• Building and growing a high-performing team
• Recruiting and mentoring junior and senior lawyers
• Managing a varied and high-quality caseload of childcare matters
• Advising parents, children, local authorities and other professionals
• Handling complex care proceedings and associated family matters
• Developing strong relationships with existing clients and professional contacts
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities for growth
• Working closely with the wider Family team and other departments across the firm
• Contributing to the strategic direction and future development of the practice

This is an opportunity for someone with entrepreneurial drive who enjoys developing people, winning work and building a successful department.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Childcare Solicitor who is ready to take the next step in their career and lead from the front. You will ideally have:

• Significant experience in Childcare law
• A strong understanding of public and/or private children matters
• Experience handling complex care proceedings
• Excellent technical and advocacy skills
• The ability to manage and develop client relationships
• Proven leadership or management experience, or the ambition and ability to step into a leadership position
• A genuine interest in building and developing a team
• Strong business development skills and a commercial approach
• The confidence to develop a new or growing practice area
• Panel membership/Children Law Accreditation would be highly advantageous.

Why This Role?

This is not simply a role where you inherit an established department and maintain the status quo. You will have the opportunity to build it. The firm is looking for someone with the vision, energy and ambition to grow the Childcare practice, recruit talented lawyers and establish a strong presence across the Shropshire market. You will have the backing and infrastructure of a national law firm, together with the autonomy to influence the direction of the department and make a real impact.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Genuine leadership opportunity
• Scope to build and shape the Childcare team
• Excellent career progression
• National firm infrastructure and support
• High-quality and varied work
• Strong opportunities for business development
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Hybrid/flexible working arrangements

If you're an experienced Childcare lawyer who wants the opportunity to build a team, develop a practice and make your mark within a national law firm, this could be the perfect next step.