Childcare Solicitor in Blackburn

Forbes Solicitors are looking for a Solicitor to join the Public Family Team at our Blackburn, Northgate office. This is a full-time role working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Hybrid working arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and experienced Family Solicitor looking for a new challenge to join our award-winning Family Law team, to progress their career and bring their skills and knowledge to a collaborative and professional team. The role will provide a sustainable work-life balance and relate to the regional area in which it is based.

As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for achieving successful outcomes such as:

• Dealing with a mix of Public Law Family matters (Childcare matters including care proceedings, child protection and special guardianships);
• Attending Courts hearings for a wide variety of family hearings;
• Provision of written and verbal legal advice;
• Communications with client, opponents, Courts / Tribunals and third parties to progress files;
• Supporting other Family advisers on their own cases, and the delivery of the departmental strategy and business objectives;
• Management, supervision, training, coaching and mentoring of (and delegation of work to) Paralegals;
• Ensuring compliance with internal and external business requirements including ISO: 9001 quality control, SRA Principles / Code of Conduct, Court & Tribunal deadlines;
• Monitoring and reporting on own financial and business performance;
• Contributing towards internal continuous improvement, innovation and knowledge sharing;
• Inter-departmental support and collaboration on joint files, projects and events;
• Contributing to the development of the departmental business plan;
• Building positive relationships with current / prospective clients and enhancing the Firm’s profile;
• Contributing to business development including training events, articles / newsletters, Chambers & Legal 500 submissions.

The Person We will be progressing applicants to the next stage based on their demonstrated knowledge, experience and skills in:

• Essential: be a qualified Solicitor / Legal Executive (or equivalent), ideally 2 years PQE; previous experience of working with Childcare matters and court proceedings; previous experience within a childcare family department; have experience with CCMS and processing their own applications; good client care skills; proven experience of handling own caseload; align with the Firm's values; have excellent attention to detail and organisational skills; have the ability to work as part of a team; have strong commercial awareness; have proven competence in their IT skills; have good communication skills, both written and verbal; have an interest in long term development / progression in the department.
• Desirable: experience in own advocacy is an advantage.

The Firm At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results.

We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm. We are a values led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork.

The Benefits We are dedicated to supporting our people and offer a range of benefits, including:

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays;
• Annual leave purchase scheme;
• Celebration leave;
• Ongoing professional development;
• Progression opportunities;
• Company pension;
• Profit share scheme;
• Long service awards;
• Subsidised tuck shops;
• Health care benefits;
• BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependants);
• Retailer and gym membership discounts;
• Recruitment and legal department referrals;
• Annual Events.

Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer and accredited to Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We support the principle of equal opportunities in relation to any opportunities which we might provide through the engagement of employees; the provision of services to clients; and the appointment and engagement of suppliers.