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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a top-tier childcare practice while managing complex public law cases.
- Company: Join a prestigious law firm with a strong national reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent support.
- 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.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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.
The Role
- 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
About You
- 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
What’s on Offer
- 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.
Childcare Partner in Manchester employer: Simpson Judge
Contact Detail:
Simpson Judge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Partner in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the childcare and legal sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors on LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your experiences and insights on public law children matters. This will demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle complex cases or mentor junior staff. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Partner in Manchester
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 tell us why you're the perfect fit for this senior role. Share your vision for leading the childcare practice and how you plan to contribute to the firm's growth.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Whether it's successful case outcomes or mentoring junior staff, we want to see how you've made an impact.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Judge
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Childcare, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've successfully mentored junior lawyers or led a team through challenging cases. Highlighting these experiences will show that you're ready for this senior 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 that you’re engaged and thinking strategically about the role.
