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 your role and clear career progression opportunities.
- 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.
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.
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 at Simpson Judge today for a highly confidential chat.
Head of Childcare - Stoke-on-Trent employer: Simpson Judge
Join a progressive and people-focused law firm in Stoke-on-Trent, where you will have the autonomy to lead a well-established Childcare Department. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a competitive benefits package, this firm offers a supportive environment for ambitious leaders looking to make a meaningful impact in childcare law. Experience the unique advantage of being part of a nationally recognised practice that values excellence in client care and invests heavily in its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Childcare - Stoke-on-Trent
✨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
Show off your expertise! Consider writing articles or giving talks on childcare law topics. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s a court case! Research the firm thoroughly, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and have examples ready that highlight your leadership and client care skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Childcare - Stoke-on-Trent
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 should tell us why you're passionate about leading a childcare department. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've driven growth in previous roles. This is your chance to shine!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s successful cases or mentoring junior lawyers, we want to know how you’ve made an impact in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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 areas mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with care proceedings, supervision orders, and other complex matters. This shows that you're not just a fit for the role but also genuinely passionate about the field.
✨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. Highlighting these experiences will help the interviewers see you as a strategic leader.
✨Connect with Their Values
Research the firm’s culture and values, especially their commitment to client care and legal aid work. During the interview, align your answers with their ethos and express how you can contribute to their mission. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the firm’s future. Inquire about their strategic growth plans for the childcare department or how they support professional development. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
