Childcare Solicitor (Head of Department) in Coventry

A leading national law firm is looking to appoint an experienced Childcare Panel Partner to establish and lead its new Coventry presence. This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious Children lawyer to take a genuine leadership role, with the freedom and responsibility to build a team, develop the client base and shape the future of the practice.

As the Childcare Panel Partner, you will take the lead in establishing the firm's Childcare offering in Coventry. You will be responsible for:

• Building and leading a high-performing Childcare team
• Recruiting solicitors, paralegals and support staff around you
• Developing the Coventry office and establishing a strong local presence
• Managing a high-quality caseload of complex childcare matters
• Advising parents, children, local authorities and other professionals
• Handling complex care proceedings and advocacy
• Developing relationships with existing and prospective clients
• Building strong links with local authorities, professionals and referral networks
• Driving business development and generating new opportunities
• Working with the wider national Family team to develop a market-leading Childcare practice
• Supporting and mentoring junior lawyers and developing future talent
• Contributing to the strategic growth of the firm's Coventry operation

We are looking for an established Childcare Panel Solicitor/Partner with the credibility, ambition and commercial drive to build something significant. You will ideally have:

• Children Panel membership
• Extensive experience in Childcare law and complex care proceedings
• A strong advocacy background
• Excellent technical knowledge
• A proven ability to develop and maintain client relationships
• Leadership and team management experience
• A track record of business development and winning work
• The ability and appetite to recruit and develop a team
• Strong local connections and knowledge of the Coventry/West Midlands market
• An entrepreneurial approach and the desire to build a successful practice

This is a genuine opportunity to put your stamp on a new office and practice area. You will have the backing, resources and infrastructure of an established national law firm, while having the autonomy to shape the Childcare team and influence the development of the Coventry office.

Competitive Partner-level remuneration, genuine equity/salaried Partner opportunity, significant autonomy and responsibility, full support with recruitment and team development, national infrastructure and marketing support, excellent quality Childcare work, strong business development opportunities, collaborative national Family network, flexible/hybrid working, and long-term career progression are all on offer.

If you're a Children Panel solicitor with leadership ambitions and would relish the opportunity to establish a team and office from the ground up, this is a role worth exploring.