At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a top-tier childcare practice while managing complex public law cases.
- Company: Join a prestigious national law firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of childcare law and make a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in childcare law and proven leadership experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are instructed by a top-tier law firm with a strong national reputation, seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Childcare to lead and further develop its Manchester-based practice. This is a senior strategic role, offering the opportunity to take ownership of a well-established childcare department while playing a key part in shaping the firm’s wider family and public law offering in the region.
As Head of Childcare, you will have overall responsibility for the leadership, performance, and growth of the childcare team. You will manage a complex caseload of public law children matters while also driving standards, mentoring colleagues, and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:- Leading the Manchester childcare practice and setting strategic direction
- Managing a complex caseload of public law children matters, including care proceedings
- Acting as a key point of contact for local authorities and external agencies
- Supervising, mentoring, and developing junior lawyers and support staff
- Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and firm-wide best practice
- Contributing to business development and panel maintenance
- Playing an active role in the firm’s leadership and culture
- An experienced childcare solicitor, ideally 8+ years PQE (guidance only)
- Panel member on the Children Law Accreditation Scheme (essential)
- Strong technical expertise in public law children matters
- Proven leadership or supervisory experience within a childcare team
- Confident managing high-profile, sensitive cases with empathy and authority
- Commercially aware and comfortable contributing at a senior level
- Senior leadership role within a top-tier firm
- Hybrid working model with flexibility
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- High-quality, complex work with excellent support
- Genuine opportunity to shape and grow a leading childcare practice
This role would suit an established Head of Department, Partner, or Senior Associate ready to step into a leadership position within a highly regarded firm.
Head of Childcare Partner in England employer: Simpson Judge Ltd
Contact Detail:
Simpson Judge Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Childcare Partner in England
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or mentors. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in childcare law. Share specific examples of cases you've managed and how you've led teams to success. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the firm and its culture before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals, especially in shaping their childcare practice. Practising common interview questions can also help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Childcare Partner in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Childcare role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant public law children matters you've handled.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your passion for childcare law and how you can contribute to the firm's growth.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use metrics or examples to demonstrate how you've led teams or improved processes in childcare law.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Judge Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public law children matters. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled and how they relate to the role. This shows that you’re not just experienced but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Childcare, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or mentored junior lawyers. Highlighting these experiences will show that you're ready for this senior strategic role.
✨Understand the Firm's Culture
Research the firm’s values and culture before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their leadership and culture. This will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their team.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about their approach to business development or how they envision the future of the childcare practice. It shows your interest and engagement with the role.