At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a thriving Childcare Department, managing complex cases and mentoring junior lawyers.
- Company: Join a nationally recognised law firm with a strong reputation in family and childcare law.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership package, flexible working, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy in a progressive, people-focused environment with clear career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of childcare law while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in Childcare/Public Law, strong leadership skills, and a passion for client care.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
For 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 at Simpson Judge today for a highly confidential chat.
Head of Childcare - Stoke-on-Trent in Stafford employer: Simpson Judge
Join a leading law firm in Coventry, renowned for its commitment to excellence in childcare law and publicly funded family work. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture, this firm offers a unique opportunity for ambitious professionals to lead a growing department while enjoying meaningful career progression and a competitive benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Childcare - Stoke-on-Trent in Stafford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and connect with professionals in childcare law. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Consider writing articles or giving talks on childcare law topics. This not only boosts your profile but also demonstrates your passion and knowledge in the field, making you stand out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team members. A personal touch can make a huge difference and shows your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for openings! We regularly update our listings, and applying through us gives you a direct line to the hiring team. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to be part of our growing childcare department.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Childcare - Stoke-on-Trent in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Childcare role. Highlight your experience in childcare law, especially your advocacy and case management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for childcare law and your vision for leading a department. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit for this role and how you can contribute to our growth.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership position, be sure to highlight your experience in mentoring and supervising junior lawyers. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop a team, so share specific examples of your leadership style.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Judge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of childcare law and the specific cases mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss Care Proceedings, Special Guardianship Orders, and other relevant topics will show that you're not just familiar with the field but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, mentored junior lawyers, or driven growth in previous roles. This will help the interviewers see you as a strategic leader who can take their department to the next level.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves building relationships with local authorities and other stakeholders, think about how you can convey your networking skills. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with external parties or contributed to business development initiatives.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's vision for the Childcare Department and its growth plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the firm aligns with your career goals. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with the interviewers.
