Head of Childcare

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Child Care Solicitor to head up a team of childcare solicitors in Bolton. You will form an important part of the team, providing expertise to parents, grandparents, other family members, interveners, and children directly or through their CAFCASS-appointed Children’s Guardian.

About the firm:

The firm is a successful national law firm with offices nationwide. With a strong people-focused business where staff and clients come first. The firm is a progressive, forward-thinking employer, offering flexibility and opportunities to progress your career to the next level. 

You will lead the way in building and developing the department and workload, with the full support of management to progress and drive the department forward.

Key Responsibilities of This Role

• Department Leadership
  • Lead and manage a team of child care solicitors, trainee solicitors, and caseworkers/paralegals
  • Oversee due diligence for legal aid applications and CCMS procedures
  • Ensure the Child Care team provides a quality, first-class service
  • Assist with delivering appropriate training and development opportunities within the team
  • Develop the department, generate work, and build upon existing contacts
• Case Management
  • Manage and supervise colleagues to handle appropriate caseload types and complexities
  • Independently manage your own casework, including preparing court bundles and instructing counsel
  • Represent parents, grandparents, other family members, and children directly or through their CAFCASS-appointed Children’s Guardian
  • Prepare and draft documents, including witness statements and processing evidence
  • Handle various care work, including Care Orders, Interim Care Orders, Supervision Orders, Emergency Protection Orders, Special Guardianship Orders, Adoption Orders, and more
• Client Care
  • Provide professional and proactive client care, dealing with vulnerable clients and children sensitively
  • Maintain a high level of client satisfaction and ensure the best possible service
• Court Responsibilities
  • Attend conferences and undertake own advocacy at court
  • Make preparations for court, such as court bundles and instructing counsel

• Business Development
  • Support work volumes brought in by the firm through business development and marketing
  • Demonstrate excellent networking and communication skills to promote the firm and generate new business

• Compliance and Confidentiality
  • Comply with all relevant policies and procedures, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and data protection regulations
  • Maintain confidentiality of information relating to clients, colleagues, and third parties

Your experience:

• Minimum 7 years’ PQE
• Extensive experience in dealing with all Child Care work-related matters and some expertise in adoption matters
• Experience in own advocacy is an advantage
• Familiarity with CCMS to handle own applications

Qualifications:

• Registered with the Law Society and Children Panel Membership

Apply today if you are a passionate and ambitious childcare solicitor looking to advance in your career and manage a strong team.

Apply online with your updated CV or contact Amelia Greenough at G2 Legal for immediate consideration today!