Public Law Children Solicitor – Team Leader

Job Purpose To lead, supervise, and develop a team within the Care Department whilst managing a caseload of Public law children matters. The postholder will ensure the delivery of high-quality, client-focused legal services, maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, and contribute to the department’s continued success and growth. The role includes supervising Solicitors, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants, with a particular focus on supporting Solicitors who are Children Panel Accredited.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage a team of Solicitors, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants.
• Manage your own caseload of public law matters.
• Monitor and support the professional knowledge, competence, and development of the team; identify and address training needs.
• Undertake advocacy and representation of clients in court where appropriate.
• Fully instruct counsel, agents, and experts when required.
• Ensure compliance with all court orders, ensuring they are read, understood, and actioned promptly.
• Provide clear, practical, and comprehensive legal advice to clients, progressing their cases to conclusion.
• Ensure compliance with legal aid requirements and case management processes.
• Maintain accurate time recording, billing, and case management in line with firm policies.
• Participate in departmental planning, supervision sessions, and audits.
• Contribute to business development activities and the wider growth of the department and firm.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

• Member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme (essential) or Family Law Accreditation Scheme (desirable).
• Minimum 3–5 years PQE in public law children matters with extensive experience managing complex public law children matters.
• Experience in private law children matters (desirable)
• Previous management and/or team leadership experience.
• Experience working within the legal aid framework, including use of the CCMS portal.
• Self-motivated, clear thinking and able to carry out casework accurately
• Ambitious solicitor committed to your own growth and development

Skills & Competencies

• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Excellent drafting and analytical ability. Sound knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2002, and relevant case law.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal case management systems.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, providing constructive feedback and guidance.
• Strong client care skills, with the ability to deal sensitively with vulnerable clients

Personal Attributes

• Empathetic, approachable, and professional.
• Proactive, solution-focused, and resilient under pressure.
• Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Self-motivated and ambitious, with a commitment to personal growth and continuous professional development.
• Collaborative approach with a genuine interest in mentoring and developing junior staff

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