Solicitor – Childcare / Public Law – Exeter – 2+ Years PQE

Overview

In this role, you will manage a varied childcare and public law caseload within a growing Exeter Family team. You work closely with an experienced specialist to develop the childcare offering at the office and support vulnerable clients through care and supervisions, adoption, and legally aided matters. You will provide clear advice, advocate in the Family Court, and ensure compliance with LAA requirements, case management, and dispute resolution. This position offers hybrid flexibility and a collaborative, supportive culture with opportunities to shape the firm’s childcare practice.

Pay / Benefits

• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Company events
• Referral programme
• Supportive, friendly and collaborative team culture

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of childcare and public law matters
• Advocate in the Family Court and liaise with Counsel
• Draft statements, care plans, applications and other court documents
• Manage legally aided cases and ensure LAA compliance
• Coordinate with Children’s Guardians, local authorities and experts
• Attend hearings, case management conferences and directions hearings
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure statutory and risk management compliance
• Engage in dispute resolution, mediation and settlement discussions

Key requirements

• 2+ years PQE in public family law or care proceedings
• Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and public law processes
• Experience working on legally aided matters
• Confidence conducting advocacy in the Family Court
• Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage a busy caseload
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team

• empathy when supporting vulnerable clients
• clear and sensitive communication
• team collaboration
• advocacy in the Family Court
• Legal Aid Agency (LAA) compliance
• case management and record-keeping

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