Child Abduction Solicitor / Locum

Themis Recruit; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A multidisciplinary law firm in London is seeking an experienced Child Abduction Solicitor to join their team. The successful candidate will manage complex cross-border cases involving child abduction under the Hague Convention. Applicants should be qualified Solicitors with a minimum of three years' experience in family and children's law, ideally with ICACU accreditation. This position offers the chance to work on meaningful cases in a supportive, hybrid working environment.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Supportive working environment

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
• Minimum of 3 years’ PQE in family and children law with a focus on international child abduction cases.
• Experience working under Legal Aid regulations and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Managing a busy caseload of child abduction and contact cases.
• Representing clients in proceedings under the Hague and European Conventions.
• Preparing robust case strategies and conducting advocacy.

Skills

Advocacy

Case management

Client care

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

ICACU panel accreditation (or working towards)

3 years PQE in family and children law

Job description

About Us

Our client is an award-winning, multidisciplinary law firm with a long-standing reputation for excellence and social justice. Recognised as a top-tier firm by leading legal directories, we provide specialist legal services to a diverse range of clients, including individuals, NGOs, public figures, and businesses. Our solicitors are known for their expertise, commitment, and innovative approach to complex legal issues.

Our clients Family Department is one of the firm’s most established and respected teams, offering advice on the full spectrum of family law. They have particular expertise in international child abduction, public and private children law, adoption, and family finance matters. The department frequently handles sensitive, high-profile, and cross-border cases.

The Role

Themis Recruit are seeking a talented and experienced Child Abduction Solicitor or Locum to join their Central London office. The successful candidate will play a key role in our clients growing international family law practice, handling complex cross-border cases involving the wrongful removal or retention of children under the Hague Convention and related international instruments.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor who is ICACU‑accredited (or working towards accreditation) and who has a strong background in representing parents, carers, or guardians in international child abduction and relocation matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a busy and varied caseload of international child abduction and contact cases.
• Representing clients in proceedings under the Hague and European Conventions and related cross-border disputes.
• Working closely with the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU), courts, and international authorities.
• Providing clear, compassionate, and strategic advice to clients in highly sensitive circumstances.
• Preparing robust case strategies and conducting advocacy where appropriate.
• Collaborating with colleagues across the Family Department on related children and family matters.
• Supporting business development initiatives, maintaining professional networks, and contributing to the team’s ongoing success.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
• ICACU panel accreditation (or currently working towards accreditation) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 3 years’ PQE in family and children law, with a focus on international child abduction cases.
• Strong knowledge of the Hague Convention, Brussels II, and relevant domestic legislation.
• Proven advocacy and case management skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and client care abilities.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with a commitment to delivering high professional standards.
• Experience working under Legal Aid regulations and procedures (essential).
• Availability to work on a locum basis or interest in a permanent position.

Benefits

• The opportunity to work with one of the UK’s leading family law teams.
• Complex, high-quality, and meaningful casework with national and international impact.
• A supportive, inclusive, and flexible working environment.
• Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid working arrangements available.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Our client is an equal opportunities employer, committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our firm and across the legal profession.