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- Tasks: Support clients with expert advice on family childcare law and manage a diverse caseload.
- Company: Join a friendly, collaborative firm that values every team member's contribution.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days holiday, private healthcare, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Great opportunities for charity involvement, sports teams, and office socials.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in family law while progressing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or CILEX fellow with advocacy skills and experience in public child law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We have a unique opportunity for an Associate up to Senior Associate Solicitor to join our highly successful and friendly Family Childcare team in our Yeovil office. You will play a key role in supporting and providing expert advice to clients on all elements of family childcare law matters and will have proven expertise in handling child arrangements orders, contact disputes, parental responsibility, adoption, emergency orders, childcare proceedings and social services, relocation and child abduction. This role offers the opportunity for significant progression and the support to do so effectively.
In addition to your family law expertise, we are looking for a team player who values every member of the team and wider firm and their contribution to the success of Porter Dodson. We have a unique offering at PD where we have the benefit of being a larger firm but pride ourselves on having maintained the flexibility, collaborative nature and welcoming environment of a smaller firm.
Key Responsibilities- Manage a caseload of childcare matters, including care proceedings, pre-proceedings (PLO), adoption and private law applications
- Attend and represent clients in court and tribunals, conducting advocacy where required
- Provide specialist and strategic legal advice to clients, such as local authorities on child protection matters, policy and procedures
- Handle all aspects of care proceedings, from initial applications to final court judgements
- Advise and represent clients on issues of contact with children in care and on adoption proceedings
- Advise on the processes and issues surrounding children becoming or ceasing to be looked after
- Advise on all aspects of private law proceedings to include arrangements as to where children should live, spending time with arrangements, Special Guardianship applications
- Build and maintain strong client relationships
Qualification as a practicing solicitor, or fellow of CILEX (with advocacy certificate).
Skills, Knowledge and ExpertiseJoining our reputable family department, this role would best suit someone who is pro-active, and enthusiastic, with exceptional interpersonal skills with experience dealing with public child law matters, a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel, an experienced advocate with higher rights of audience. Porter Dodson can offer a tailored approach to your career path where you can really make it your own. This role is an excellent platform for you to continue to build on your success in an environment where your expertise is valued where there is a clear path for progression.
Benefits- Flexible Working
- 30 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays
- Extra Day of Holiday for your Birthday
- Private Healthcare
- Pension Scheme(s)
- Life Assurance
- Eye Tests
- Flu Jabs
- Corporate Gym Membership Discounts
- Legal Support
- Opportunities to get involved with charity fundraising, sports teams and office socials
Family Childcare Associate - Senior Associate in Somerset employer: Porter Dodson Llp.
Contact Detail:
Porter Dodson Llp. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Childcare Associate - Senior Associate in Somerset
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the family law sector, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its culture. Understand their approach to family childcare law and think about how your experience aligns with their values. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise during interviews by discussing specific cases or challenges you've faced in family law. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you’ve successfully navigated complex situations, especially those related to child arrangements and care proceedings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to be part of our friendly and collaborative team at Porter Dodson.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Childcare Associate - Senior Associate in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Family Childcare Associate role. Highlight your expertise in family childcare law and any relevant cases you've handled. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about family law and how your values align with ours at Porter Dodson. Show us your personality and enthusiasm for the role!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We value collaboration, so make sure to mention any experiences where you've worked effectively in a team. Whether it's in previous roles or during your studies, let us know how you contribute to a positive team environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Porter Dodson Llp.
✨Know Your Family Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on all aspects of family childcare law, especially child arrangements orders and adoption processes. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since this role involves representing clients in court, be prepared to discuss your advocacy experience. Share specific examples where you've successfully advocated for a client, highlighting your strategic thinking and interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Porter Dodson values collaboration, so be ready to talk about how you work within a team. Share experiences where you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment, showing that you’re a team player who values everyone’s input.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s approach to family law and how they support professional development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the firm’s culture aligns with your career goals.