At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a Childcare Department, managing complex cases and mentoring junior lawyers.
- Company: Progressive law firm with a strong reputation in family and childcare law.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and leadership training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on growth and excellence in client care.
- Why this job: Shape a thriving department and influence strategy in a nationally recognised firm.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in Childcare Law and strong leadership skills required.
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
As Head of Department, you will:
- 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
Join a leading law firm in Coventry that prioritises professional growth and offers a supportive work culture, where you can lead a dynamic Childcare Department. With a strong commitment to legal aid work and a reputation for excellence, this firm provides competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and ongoing leadership training, making it an ideal environment for ambitious solicitors looking to make a meaningful impact in childcare law.
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 on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Consider writing articles or giving talks on childcare law topics. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also helps you get noticed by potential employers. Plus, it’s a great way to give back to the community!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to childcare law. Think about how you would handle complex cases and be ready to discuss your past experiences. Confidence is key, so let your passion for the field shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team. Make sure your application reflects your leadership skills and commitment to excellence in childcare law. Let’s make great things happen together!
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 reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Childcare Solicitor role. Highlight your PQE, advocacy experience, and any leadership roles you've held to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for childcare law and how you can contribute to our growing team. Be sure to mention your strategic vision for the department and your commitment to client care.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Whether it's successful case outcomes or mentoring junior lawyers, we want to see how you've made an impact in your past positions.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our Childcare Department.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Judge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of childcare law, especially the specific areas mentioned in the job description like Care Proceedings and Adoption Proceedings. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show that you're not just experienced but also passionate about the field.
✨Show Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored junior lawyers in the past. Highlight your leadership style and how you plan to develop the department further, as this will demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Build Relationships
The job requires building strong relationships with local authorities and other stakeholders. Think of ways you've successfully networked in the past and be ready to discuss how you would approach relationship-building in this new role. This shows you understand the importance of collaboration in childcare law.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the firm's vision for the Childcare Department or how they measure success in client care. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your commitment to contributing positively to the firm’s growth.
