Interim Lawyer - Child Safeguarding Care in Sheffield

About Taylor Emmet

We are an award-winning firm of solicitors built on trust, expertise and innovation. As a forward-thinking law firm, we are continually developing new ways to deliver exceptional legal services and an outstanding client experience.

Our Approach

At Taylor Emmet, we tailor our approach to every client, remove unnecessary legal jargon and guide people through what are often complex and emotionally challenging legal matters with empathy, clarity and professionalism.

Our approach is simple:

• We listen carefully to understand our clients' circumstances, needs and objectives.
• We provide clear, practical and straightforward legal advice.
• We are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for every client.

Our Values

• Community
• Approachability
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Protector

About the Role

As a Child Care Solicitor (Children Panel Accredited), you will provide specialist legal advice and representation to parents, children and other family members involved in public law children proceedings. You will manage a complex and varied caseload from initial instruction through to conclusion, undertaking advocacy where appropriate and ensuring the highest standards of client care are delivered throughout.

Working within a highly regarded Child Care team, you will demonstrate excellent technical expertise, sound judgement and strong advocacy skills whilst maintaining compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and court timetables.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the department, support the development of junior team members and contribute to the continued success and growth of the department.

You will be responsible for:

• Managing a varied caseload of public law childcare matters, including Care Proceedings, Emergency Protection Orders, Interim Care Orders, Placement Orders, Special Guardianship Orders and Adoption matters.
• Providing clear, practical and compassionate legal advice to vulnerable clients during what are often highly sensitive proceedings.
• Representing clients at all stages of proceedings, undertaking advocacy where appropriate and instructing Counsel where necessary.
• Holding Children Panel Accreditation and representing children directly where instructed.
• Preparing court applications, witness statements, case summaries and other legal documentation to a high standard.
• Liaising effectively with clients, Children's Services, Cafcass Guardians, Counsel, experts, the courts and other professionals.
• Monitoring court timetables and ensuring strict compliance with procedural deadlines and case management directions.
• Managing files in accordance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and ensuring ongoing compliance with all regulatory obligations.
• Monitoring Legal Aid certificate costs, applying for amendments and extensions where required and ensuring timely recovery of costs.
• Billing privately funded matters throughout the life of the case and concluding legally aided matters promptly in accordance with firm and LAA requirements.
• Undertaking regular file reviews to ensure compliance, quality and financial performance.
• Acting as an advocate for colleagues where appropriate, including attendance at injunction and interim hearings.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, referrers and professional contacts.
• Contributing to business development initiatives, networking opportunities and the continued growth of the Child Care department.
• Supporting, mentoring and sharing knowledge with junior colleagues to promote continuous learning and development within the team.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with significant experience in Child Care Law.
• Children Panel Accreditation (essential).
• A minimum of 3 years' post-qualification experience managing a Child Care caseload.
• Higher Rights of Audience would be advantageous but are not essential.

Required Skills

• Extensive knowledge of public children law, the Children Act 1989, Family Procedure Rules and associated legislation.
• Comprehensive understanding of Legal Aid Agency funding, billing requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent advocacy, negotiation and case management skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding and emotionally complex caseload while maintaining exceptional standards of client care.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, court deadlines and financial performance.
• Strong commercial awareness and an ability to manage matters efficiently whilst delivering positive client outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues in a clear and sensitive manner.
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients, counsel, local authorities, Cafcass, experts and the judiciary.
• A proactive, resilient and solution-focused approach to problem solving.
• Ability to work collaboratively, mentor colleagues and positively contribute to the wider success of the department and firm.

Our People

At Taylor Emmet, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We look for individuals who demonstrate our core behaviours and embody our values every day.

Our people are:

• Tenacious – Determined, resilient and committed to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
• Adaptable – Comfortable managing change, embracing new challenges and continually improving.
• Listeners – Taking time to understand clients, colleagues and stakeholders before acting.
• Enthusiastic – Bringing energy, positivity and commitment to everything they do.
• Nurturing – Supporting colleagues, developing others and investing in long-term relationships.
• Trusted – Acting with integrity, professionalism and accountability in every interaction.
• Energetic – Bringing positivity, motivation and resilience to both clients and colleagues.
• Driven – Ambitious to succeed personally, whilst contributing to the continued success of the department and the firm.