At a Glance
- Tasks: Represent children in legal matters and provide compassionate advice.
- Company: Growing childcare team in Leicester with a focus on making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, flexible benefits, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE, Children's Panel accreditation, strong advocacy skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: Leicester
Salary: £60,000 to £85,000
Experience: 5+ years PQE (guide)
Our client is looking to recruit a Childcare Solicitor / Legal Executive to join a growing childcare team based in Leicester. This is a role for someone who is passionate about representing children and delivering clear, practical advice with compassion. You will work on behalf of children across England and play a meaningful part in a team that is expanding due to continued demand.
What You’ll Be Doing
- You will handle a varied caseload of childcare proceedings, likely to include:
- Care proceedings
- Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs)
- Special guardianship and adoption matters
- Private law applications, including rule 16.4 instructions
- Separate representation of competent children
- You will also:
- Provide high-quality advocacy and represent clients in hearings where appropriate
- Support children and families through complex and sensitive matters with empathy and professionalism
- Work collaboratively with guardians, social workers, experts, and other professionals involved in proceedings
What We’re Looking For
- Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive
- Ideally 5+ years PQE (as a guide)
- Children’s Panel accreditation is essential
- Strong advocacy experience and confidence managing complex proceedings
- Excellent judgement, resilience, and a calm, client-focused approach
- A guardian following would be welcomed
Pre-Employment Checks
Please note: qualified solicitors and fee earners will be DBS checked as part of the recruitment process.
What’s On Offer
- Pension scheme with employer matching up to 4%
- Competitive holiday entitlement that rises with length of service
- Paid volunteer leave
- Death in service benefit (after qualifying period) paying 3 x salary
- Long service awards
- Discounted health club and gym memberships
- Flexible benefits (may include the option to purchase additional annual leave, health screening, and retail discounts)
- Salary sacrifice car scheme (including hybrid and electric vehicles)
- BUPA (certain positions only and upon passing probation)
- Group income protection (certain positions only)
Working Arrangements
Leicester
Full-time, permanent
Next Steps
Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.
Childcare Solicitor / Legal Exec in Leicester employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Join a dedicated and compassionate team in Leicester, where your role as a Childcare Solicitor or Legal Executive will make a significant impact on the lives of children across England. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth, offering competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally in a meaningful career.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Solicitor / Legal Exec in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in childcare law. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to childcare law. Think about how you would handle complex cases and be ready to showcase your advocacy skills. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current issues in childcare law. Being knowledgeable about recent cases or changes in legislation shows your passion and commitment to the field. It’s a great conversation starter during interviews!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Solicitor / Legal Exec in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Childcare Solicitor role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially your advocacy skills and any work with children or families. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for representing children and your approach to handling sensitive matters. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit for our growing team in Leicester.
Showcase Your Experience:With 5+ years PQE being ideal, make sure to showcase your experience in childcare proceedings. Include specific examples of cases you've handled, particularly those involving Care proceedings or Emergency Protection Orders. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of childcare law and recent cases. Being able to discuss specific legislation or landmark rulings will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since this role involves working with vulnerable children and families, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations with compassion. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported clients through tough times.
✨Highlight Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to talk about your advocacy experience in detail. Think of specific cases where you represented clients effectively, and be ready to discuss the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various professionals. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with social workers, guardians, or other legal experts in the past. Highlighting your teamwork skills will show that you can thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.