Childcare Lawyer – Taunton

Overview

In this role you join a specialist child law team within a growing regional firm to handle a varied caseload of public and private children matters. You will represent clients at court, work with local authorities and other professionals, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the department. The work includes care proceedings, adoption, and private law disputes, requiring clear, empathetic client guidance. You will leverage your advocacy skills and legal expertise to achieve meaningful outcomes for children and families. This is an opportunity to shape a busy practice within a supportive, high-quality family law environment.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• attractive benefits package

Responsibilities

• Manage own caseload of public law childcare matters (care proceedings, adoption)
• Handle private law children cases (child arrangements, parental responsibility)
• Represent clients at court hearings and liaise with counsel
• Coordinate with local authorities, social workers, and other professionals
• Prepare legal documents (statements, applications, court bundles)
• Provide practical, empathetic client advice in sensitive situations
• Support and contribute to departmental growth

Key requirements

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with experience in child/family law
• Proven ability to independently manage a childcare caseload, particularly public law
• Strong knowledge of Legal Aid and experience within its framework
• Confident advocacy skills and court representation experience
• Children Panel membership (or working towards accreditation) desirable
• Excellent communication and IT skills, professional and empathetic approach
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities

• empathy
• excellent communication
• professionalism
• Legal Aid knowledge
• court advocacy
• document preparation

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