At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Childcare Department and manage complex childcare cases.
- Company: Join a nationally recognised law firm with a strong reputation in family law.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and to work with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of childcare law while making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in Childcare Law and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Head of Childcare Department (Senior Solicitor)
Location: Coventry, West Midlands
Salary: Competitive + Leadership Package + Bonus Opportunities
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
About the Opportunity
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Childcare Solicitor to lead and develop a well-established Childcare Department within a nationally recognised law firm. This role offers the chance to join a growing and ambitious practice with a strong reputation for excellence in publicly funded family and childcare work. The firm is recognised by leading independent legal directories and has developed a reputation for delivering outstanding client care, high-quality legal services and meaningful career progression opportunities. The childcare team has experienced significant growth in recent years and continues to invest heavily in its people, infrastructure and regional presence.
The successful candidate will play a key strategic role in establishing and leading the Coventry Childcare Department, driving growth, supervising and mentoring lawyers, and maintaining the highest standards of client service and legal excellence.
The Role
- Lead and manage a busy Childcare and Public Law Children team.
- Conduct your own caseload of complex childcare matters, including:
- Care Proceedings
- Supervision Orders
- Emergency Protection Orders
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Adoption Proceedings
- Deprivation of Liberty matters
- Cases involving non-accidental injuries, abuse, neglect and safeguarding concerns.
- Develop and implement the department’s strategic growth plans.
- Recruit, supervise and mentor solicitors, legal executives, trainees and support staff.
- Maintain compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and professional standards.
- Build and strengthen relationships with local authorities, guardians, barristers and other stakeholders.
- Contribute to business development, networking and profile-raising activities across the region.
- Work closely with senior management on departmental performance, budgeting and growth initiatives.
About You
We are seeking an ambitious and commercially aware leader who combines technical excellence with a genuine passion for childcare law. You will ideally possess:
- A minimum of 8 years’ PQE in Childcare/Public Law Children work.
- Law Society Children Panel Accreditation (essential).
- Significant advocacy and case management experience.
- Experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers.
- A proven track record of managing complex and sensitive childcare matters.
- Strong leadership, organisational and business development skills.
- Excellent client care and communication abilities.
- A desire to build and lead a successful regional team.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to lead and shape a department with genuine autonomy.
- A strong pipeline of publicly funded childcare work.
- Access to an established national network of specialist family and childcare lawyers.
- High-quality administrative and management support.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Clear career progression at senior leadership level.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Ongoing professional development and leadership training.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to join a progressive, people-focused law firm that combines the resources and reputation of a national practice with the culture and accessibility of a regional firm. The organisation is recognised for its expertise in family and childcare law, commitment to legal aid work, and investment in the growth of its lawyers and departments. The firm has received recognition from both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and continues to expand its childcare offering across England.
If you are an experienced Childcare Solicitor looking for the opportunity to lead, influence strategy and build a thriving department within a highly regarded firm, please get in touch with Rory Brand from Simpson Judge today for a highly confidential chat.
Senior Childcare Solicitor in Coventry employer: Simpson Judge Ltd
Join a nationally recognised law firm in Coventry as a Senior Childcare Solicitor, where you will lead a dynamic Childcare Department known for its commitment to excellence and client care. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, offers flexible working arrangements, and provides clear pathways for career progression. With a strong focus on publicly funded family law, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact while being part of a growing and ambitious team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Childcare Solicitor in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other professionals in childcare law. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past cases and achievements in childcare law. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your success stories and how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to firms you admire, like the one offering this Senior Childcare Solicitor role. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities – it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and stand out from the crowd. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining our team and leading the Childcare Department.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Childcare Solicitor in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Childcare Solicitor. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in childcare law and leadership roles. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for childcare law and your vision for leading our department. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s successful case outcomes or mentoring junior lawyers, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Judge Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of childcare law and the specific cases mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with care proceedings, supervision orders, and other complex matters. This will show that you're not just a good fit for the role but also genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully supervised and mentored junior lawyers in the past. Highlight any strategies you've implemented to improve team performance or client care, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the department effectively.
✨Connect with Their Values
Research the firm’s reputation and values, especially their commitment to legal aid work and client care. During the interview, align your answers with these values to show that you’re not only a skilled solicitor but also a cultural fit for the firm.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the department's growth plans and how they envision your role contributing to that. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career aspirations. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with the interviewers.
