At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Care department, manage complex childcare cases, and mentor a high-performing team.
- Company: Hanne & Co, a modern law firm focused on collaboration and client commitment.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, enhanced sick pay, EAP support, and social events.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to support work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in childcare law while leading a dynamic and supportive team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years PQE in childcare law and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Start Date: Immediate
Location: London & remote
Who Are We?
At Hanne & Co, we do things differently. We are a modern, approachable law firm built on strong relationships, collaboration and a genuine commitment to our clients and people. As we continue to grow, we are looking for talented, like‑minded individuals who want to be part of an ambitious and supportive team where they can make a real impact.
What Are We Looking For?
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Department to lead our Care department. This is a senior leadership role suited to a highly capable childcare solicitor with extensive advocacy and case management experience, alongside a proven ability to lead, develop and manage a high performing Legal 500 ranked team. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise in public childcare law with excellent people management, operational oversight and strategic leadership skills. They will lead by example through their own fee‑earning caseload while ensuring exceptional standards of client care, compliance, supervision and departmental performance.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Fee Earning & Legal Practice: Manage complex caseload of public childcare matters, including care proceedings, emergency protection applications, special guardianship matters and related family law issues. Represent parents, children, guardians or other parties in care proceedings as appropriate. Maintain high standards of legal advice, client care and case management. Ensure compliance with LAA requirements, court deadlines, SRA regulation and internal policies. Supervise complex and high‑risk matters within the department.
- Team Management: Lead, supervise and support the Care department. Provide mentoring, technical guidance and day‑to‑day supervision to solicitors, trainees and paralegals. Conduct annual appraisals and identify training needs for the department. Monitor department financial performance. Ensure effective allocation of work and resource management.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Personal Qualities
- 10+ PQE with significant experience in childcare law.
- Accredited member of the Law Society’s Children Panel.
- Strong advocacy, negotiation and case strategy skills.
- Proven experience in managing and supervising legal teams.
- Understanding of Legal Aid funding and compliance requirements.
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Enhanced company sick pay: 10 days at full pay within a rolling 12‑month period.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential support and wellbeing resources.
- Regular social events throughout the year.
- Discretionary bonus scheme.
How to apply and interview process
We are looking to hire for this role as soon as possible. We’re open to flexible working arrangements whether this is to help you meet other commitments or strike a great work‑life balance. To apply, email a copy of your CV to recruitment@hanne.co.uk. If there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you in the process, please let us know.
Head of Department – Children Panel Child Care Solicitor in Harrow employer: Hanne & Co. Solicitors LLP
At Hanne & Co, we pride ourselves on being a modern and supportive law firm that values collaboration and strong relationships. Our London-based team offers a dynamic work culture with flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave and enhanced sick pay, and ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a Legal 500 ranked environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact in childcare law while enjoying a rewarding career in a vibrant and inclusive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department – Children Panel Child Care Solicitor in Harrow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know someone at Hanne & Co. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the firm.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your public childcare law knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex cases and how you've led teams in the past. Show them you're the perfect fit for their dynamic environment!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your people management skills! Hanne & Co is looking for someone who can lead and mentor a team, so be sure to highlight your experience in developing others and managing performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It shows you're serious about the role and gives you a chance to stand out from the crowd. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department – Children Panel Child Care Solicitor in Harrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Department role. Highlight your advocacy and case management experience, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about childcare law and how your background makes you the perfect fit for leading our Care department. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love a bit of character!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's successful case outcomes or team development initiatives, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles. Numbers and specific examples can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to be part of our modern and collaborative approach!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hanne & Co. Solicitors LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public childcare law and the specific cases you've handled. Be ready to discuss your advocacy experience and how you've managed complex caseloads. This will show that you're not just a good fit for the role, but that you genuinely understand the nuances of the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed legal teams in the past. Highlight any training initiatives you've implemented or how you've improved departmental performance.
✨Be Personable and Approachable
Hanne & Co values strong relationships and collaboration. During the interview, be sure to convey your approachable nature and commitment to client care. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to connect with clients and colleagues alike, as this will resonate well with their culture.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's vision for the Care department and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the firm aligns with your career goals.
