Are you an experienced Childcare Solicitor looking for the next step in your career? Whether you’re an established Senior Solicitor ready to lead a department or an ambitious Child Panel Accredited lawyer seeking a clear route to Partnership, this is an outstanding opportunity with a respected and progressive Berkshire firm.
This is a rare succession opportunity, created by the planned retirement of the firm’s long-standing Head of Childcare. The successful candidate will have the chance to take over a well-established and highly regarded department, working on a broad range of public law children matters while playing a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future. With genuine leadership responsibility and clear Partnership prospects, this role offers an exceptional platform for someone looking to make a lasting impact.
The Role
- Manage a varied caseload of complex public law childcare matters, including Care Proceedings and PLO meetings.
- Represent parents, children and guardians, with opportunities to expand guardian work.
- Conduct advocacy and attend courts across Berkshire.
- Supervise and develop junior lawyers and support staff.
- Contribute to business development and the continued growth of the department.
- Work within Legal Aid requirements, including CCMS, ensuring high standards of client care and compliance.
About You
- Child Panel Accreditation is essential (or already eligible to rejoin if recently lapsed).
- Around 5+ years’ PQE (Solicitors or CILEX considered).
- Strong experience in public law childcare work and Legal Aid.
- Confident advocate with excellent client care skills.
- Passionate about supporting vulnerable clients and committed to achieving the best outcomes.
- A collaborative team player with leadership ambitions.
What’s on Offer
- Salary up to £80,000 depending on experience.
- Attractive bonus scheme.
- Genuine Partnership opportunity.
- Hybrid working following probation.
- Employer pension contribution and death-in-service benefit.
- Birthday leave, regular firm social events and ongoing training.
- A supportive, forward-thinking culture with excellent long-term career prospects.
If you’re looking for a firm where you can genuinely influence the future of a successful Child Care department while progressing your own career, we’d love to hear from you.
If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, contact Alison Banks at alison@lrlegal.co.uk or call for a confidential discussion on 02084642506 (office hours) or 07979952201 (out of office hours).
LR Legal is a specialist legal recruitment agency with a reputation based on trust and integrity. We will always ask your permission before sending your CV to any of our clients.
The PQE identified on this advertisement is a guide only and does not preclude applications from those with more or less PQE.
LR Legal Recruitment is operating as an Employment Agency in respect of this vacancy.
*We require a lawyer who has gained the necessary experience for the position advertised. The PQE identified on this advertisement is a guide only and does not preclude applications from those with more or less PQE.
