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

Overview

In this role you will handle a varied childcare and public law caseload within a respected regional Family team. You will represent parents, guardians and children in care and supervision proceedings, while supporting vulnerable clients with clear, sensitive guidance. You will conduct advocacy in the Family Court and coordinate with Counsel, guardians, and local authorities. The position offers growth prospects through direct involvement in legally aided matters and ongoing professional accreditation. This is a chance to impact cases at scale while working in a collaborative, supportive firm culture.

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 coordinate with Counsel
• Draft statements, care plans, applications and court documents
• Manage legally aided cases in line with LAA requirements
• Liaise with Children’s Guardians and local authorities
• Carry out hearings, case management conferences and directions hearings
• Maintain accurate case records in the firm’s case management system
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, LAA regulations and risk management
• Engage in dispute resolution, settlement discussions and mediation
• Provide clear, sensitive advice to vulnerable clients

Key requirements

• 2+ years PQE in public family law or care proceedings
• Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and public law processes
• Experience handling legally aided matters
• Confidence in advocacy within the Family Court
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a busy caseload
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Desirable: Law Society Children Law Accreditation (Children Panel)
• Experience acting for children’s guardians or representing children
• Advanced advocacy experience in complex care cases
• Experience in mediation or collaborative law

• interpersonal skills
• ability to support vulnerable clients
• strong organizational skills
• knowledge of the Children Act 1989
• experience with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements
• advocacy in the Family Court

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