Senior Child Care Solicitor

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.
• 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.

The PQE identified on this advertisement is a guide only and does not preclude applications from those with more or less PQE.