Senior Childcare Solicitor 5 years PQE +/ Partner (Child Panel Accredited ideal)
Berkshire | Hybrid Working | Up to £80,000 + Bonus + Genuine Partnership Prospects
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 or other opportunities in the market, then contact Alison Banks at alison@lrlegal.co.uk or call for a confidential discussion on 020 8464 2506(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.
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