At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload in childcare law and represent clients in care proceedings.
- Company: Reputable law firm with a strong focus on childcare law and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, 25 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to professional development and high-quality legal services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in childcare law and strong advocacy skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
- Childcare Law Solicitor
- Career Level: Senior Solicitor 5+ PQE
Are you an experienced childcare law solicitor looking for an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team?
Our client, a well-established and highly regarded law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, is seeking a Senior Childcare Law Solicitor at 5+ PQE level to join their expanding Childcare Team.
This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high-quality childcare law matters, conducting your own caseload and undertaking advocacy in care proceedings.
You'll be joining a friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team that values collaboration and offers excellent opportunities for career progression.
The Role
As a Childcare Law Solicitor, you will manage your own caseload of childcare law matters, representing local authorities, parents, or children in care proceedings.
This role focuses exclusively on childcare law, with no private family law work involved, as that is undertaken by a different team.
The role offers genuine progression opportunities for the right candidate and the chance to work on complex and rewarding childcare matters whilst developing your advocacy skills and expertise in this specialist area.
Your key responsibilities will include
- Conducting your own caseload in childcare law matters from instruction through to conclusion
- Representing clients in care proceedings, including public law children cases
- Undertaking advocacy in the Family Court at all levels
- Advising on care orders, supervision orders, emergency protection orders, and placement orders
- Handling complex childcare matters including non-accidental injury cases and complex family dynamics
- Attending court hearings, case management hearings, and final hearings
- Preparing court bundles, witness statements, and legal submissions
- Liaising with clients, local authorities, children's guardians, and expert witnesses
- Providing clear, practical, and compassionate advice to clients
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the childcare team
- Meeting financial targets and managing matters efficiently
- Contributing to the continued success and development of the childcare practice
About You
Essential Requirements
- 5+ years' PQE experience in childcare law
- Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
- Proven experience running your own caseload in childcare law matters
- Experience undertaking advocacy in the Family Court
- The Law Society's Children Law Panel accreditation
- A Children's Guardian following
- Strong technical knowledge of childcare law, the Children Act 1989, and care proceedings
- Excellent advocacy skills and confidence in court
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously
- Excellent client care skills with a compassionate and sensitive approach
- Strong communication, drafting, and negotiation skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight court deadlines
- Commitment to delivering high-quality legal services in this specialist area
- Highly Desirable
- Experience representing multiple client types (local authorities, parents, or children)
- Experience with complex childcare matters including non-accidental injury cases
- Knowledge of adoption law and placement proceedings
- Supervisory or mentoring experience
- Experience working in a collaborative team environment
- Key Attributes
- Experienced and dedicated with a passion for childcare law
- Compassionate and sensitive approach to clients
- Strong work ethic with commitment to delivering high-quality work
- Resilient and able to handle emotionally challenging cases
- Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Committed to professional development and staying current with legal developments
- What's On Offer
Our client is committed to rewarding talent and hard work with a competitive remuneration package and excellent opportunities for career progression.
Benefits include
- Competitive salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (market rate, dependent on experience)
- Annual discretionary bonus scheme
- 25 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays)
- Loyalty holiday scheme
- Ability to buy additional holidays
- Contributory (auto-enrolment) pension scheme
- Non-contributory death in service scheme
- Paycare scheme
- Good prospects of career progression for the right candidate
- Friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team environment
- Supportive team culture with opportunities for professional development
- Specialist childcare law practice with no private family law work
- Modern, well-equipped offices in Ashton-under-lyme
- Flexible working arrangements available
- About Our Client
Our client is a well-established law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, serving clients across the North West and beyond.
The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including childcare law, family law, employment, property, litigation, and corporate.
The Childcare Team specialises exclusively in childcare law matters, handling care proceedings, supervision orders, emergency protection orders, and placement orders.
The team represents local authorities, parents, and children in complex and sensitive care proceedings, providing expert legal advice and advocacy in the Family Court.
The team is friendly, welcoming, and hard-working, with a collaborative culture that values teamwork, professionalism, and compassionate client service.
The firm offers excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development for dedicated childcare law practitioners.
Location
This role is based at our client's Ashton-under-Lyme office; with excellent transport links and access to local amenities.
The offices offer modern, professional working environments with flexible working arrangements available.
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Childcare Law Solicitor employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values autonomy and high standards of client care. Located in Leeds, the firm provides its employees with competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a health cash plan, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Joining this team means being part of a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and encouraged.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Law Solicitor
✨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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✨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 Childcare Law Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions, 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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions and the specific role of Childcare Law Solicitor. 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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions.
✨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 Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions.
