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 for an experienced Childcare Solicitor to lead and develop a well‑established Childcare Department within a nationally recognised law firm. The firm is recognised for excellence in publicly funded family and childcare work, and offers a strong reputation for client care and career progression.
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.
- 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 Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and continues to expand its childcare offering across England.
Interested candidates should contact Rory Brand at Simpson Judge for a highly confidential chat.
