Child Care Solicitor

MPJ Recruitment Ltd; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Company pension

Medicash health plan

Bonus opportunities

Social events

Career progression

Supportive team

Job summary

MPJ Recruitment Ltd seeks an experienced Child Care Solicitor (3+ PQE) to join the Cambridge team and manage a high-quality publicly funded caseload. You will advise and represent parents, grandparents, and children, including CAFCASS-appointed guardians, taking ownership of your caseload and contributing to the department’s growth.

The role offers hybrid working, a competitive salary dependent on experience, and 26 days leave plus bank holidays.

Qualifications

• Qualified Child Care Solicitor with 3+ PQE
• Experience handling care proceedings, adoption and Special Guardianship matters
• Strong client-facing, communication and influencing skills
• Commercially aware with ability to contribute to business development

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied Child Care caseload from instruction through to conclusion
• Advise and represent clients in care proceedings, adoption matters and SGO applications
• Provide clear, practical and compassionate legal advice to vulnerable clients
• Undertake advocacy where appropriate and represent clients at court
• Prepare high-quality legal documents, applications and correspondence
• Maintain accurate, compliant case files and meet regulatory and court requirements
• Develop relationships with clients, colleagues and external professionals
• Contribute to business development and growth of the department

Job description

Child Care Solicitor - 3+ PQE

Location: Cambridge
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and PQE
Holiday: 26 days + Bank Holidays

The Opportunity

We're looking for an experienced Child Care Solicitor (3+ PQE) to join our well-established team, handling a high-quality caseload of publicly funded Child Care work.

You’ll advise and represent parents, grandparents, family members, interveners and children, including those represented through their CAFCASS-appointed Children's Guardian.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor who wants to take ownership of their caseload, build strong client relationships and play a key role in the continued growth of a successful Child Care department.

What You'll Do

• Manage a varied Child Care caseload from instruction through to conclusion.
• Advise and represent clients in care proceedings, adoption matters and Special Guardianship Order applications.
• Provide clear, practical and compassionate legal advice to vulnerable clients.
• Undertake advocacy where appropriate and represent clients confidently at court.
• Prepare high-quality legal documents, applications and correspondence.
• Maintain accurate, compliant case files and meet regulatory and court requirements.
• Develop strong relationships with clients, colleagues and external professionals.
• Contribute to business development and the continued growth of the department.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified Child Care Solicitor with 3+ PQE (although applications from more experienced candidates are very welcome).
• Has solid experience across a range of Child Care matters and a strong understanding of best practice.
• Has strong client-facing, communication and influencing skills.
• Is commercially aware and able to contribute to business development.
• Has a Guardian following and established local network - advantageous, but not essential.
• Has own advocacy experience - desirable, but not essential.
• Works with professionalism, sensitivity and integrity when supporting vulnerable
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior colleagues would be an advantage.

What We Offer

• 26 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays + your birthday off after one year's service
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Company pension
• Medicash health plan
• Bonus opportunities
• Social events
• Genuine opportunities for progression and development
• A supportive team and the opportunity to make a real impact