Job DescriptionOverview
A highly regarded, client-focused law firm is looking to appoint an experienced Head of Child Care to lead and develop its established Child Care Department.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Children Panel Accredited Solicitor or Legal Executive who is looking to take ownership of a thriving department, mentor a growing team, and play a key role in the firm's continued expansion.
Requirements
The Role
As Head of Department, you will:
- Lead, manage and develop the Child Care team.
- Handle a varied caseload of public law children matters from instruction through to conclusion.
- Undertake your own advocacy where appropriate.
- Supervise junior lawyers and support staff.
- Act as a Legal Aid Supervisor for the Child Care Department.
- Maintain exceptional client care standards while helping to grow the department and strengthen existing client relationships.
- Contribute to the strategic direction and continued success of the team.
Why This Role Stands Out
✅ Lead an established Child Care Department with genuine autonomy.
✅ Friendly, supportive and collaborative working culture.
✅ Long-term progression opportunities with real influence over the department's future.
✅ Ongoing investment in your professional development, including access to:
- LexisNexis
- MBL
- Specialist legal and compliance training providers
✅ Modern offices conveniently located just minutes from Ashford International Station.
About You
You will ideally have:
- 5+ years' PQE in Child Care law.
- Accreditation with the Law Society Children Panel.
- Eligibility and willingness to act as a Legal Aid Supervisor.
- Strong knowledge of Legal Aid procedures.
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior team members.
- Excellent advocacy skills and confidence representing clients in court.
- Outstanding client care and communication skills.
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Benefits
Competitive salary.
Performance-related bonus scheme.
25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
Additional leave over the Christmas and New Year period.
Private healthcare.
Free on-site parking.
Flexible working arrangements.
Ongoing training and professional development.
Genuine career progression into a senior leadership position.
RequirementsThe Role As Head of Department, you will: Lead, manage and develop the Child Care team. Handle a varied caseload of public law children matters from instruction through to conclusion. Undertake your own advocacy where appropriate. Supervise junior lawyers and support staff. Act as a Legal Aid Supervisor for the Child Care Department. Maintain exceptional client care standards while helping to grow the department and strengthen existing client relationships. Contribute to the strategic direction and continued success of the team. Why This Role Stands Out ✅ Lead an established Child Care Department with genuine autonomy. ✅ Friendly, supportive and collaborative working culture. ✅ Long-term progression opportunities with real influence over the department's future. ✅ Ongoing investment in your professional development, including access to: LexisNexis MBL Specialist legal and compliance training providers ✅ Modern offices conveniently located just minutes from Ashford International Station. About You You will ideally have: 5+ years' PQE in Child Care law. Accreditation with the Law Society Children Panel. Eligibility and willingness to act as a Legal Aid Supervisor. Strong knowledge of Legal Aid procedures. Experience supervising or mentoring junior team members. Excellent advocacy skills and confidence representing clients in court. Outstanding client care and communication skills. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively.