Childcare Solicitor

TN United Kingdom; Blackburn; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Forbes Solicitors is seeking a Family Solicitor for their Blackburn office. This full-time role offers a dynamic environment and opportunities for career progression. Responsibilities include handling Public Law Family matters and mentoring Paralegals. The firm values teamwork and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Company pension

Health benefits and discounts

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Ideally 2+ years PQE in Family Law.
• Experience in Childcare matters and court proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Dealing with Public Law Family matters including childcare.
• Attending Court hearings and providing legal advice.
• Managing and mentoring Paralegals.

Skills

Client Care

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to Detail

Commercial Awareness

Education

Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive

Tools

IT Systems

Job description

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Role

Forbes Solicitors are looking for a Solicitor to join the Public Family Team at our Blackburn, Northgate office.

This is a full-time role working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Hybrid working arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and experienced Family Solicitor looking for a new challenge to join our award-winning Family Law team, to progress their career and bring their skills and knowledge to a collaborative and professional team. The role offers a fast-paced, customer-focused environment with high standards, while also providing a sustainable work-life balance and regional relevance.

As a key member of our team, your responsibilities will include:

1. Dealing with Public Law Family matters (Childcare including care proceedings, child protection, and guardianships);
2. Attending Court hearings for various family cases;
3. Providing written and verbal legal advice;
4. Communicating with clients, opponents, Courts/Tribunals, and third parties;
5. Supporting other Family advisers and contributing to departmental strategies and objectives;
6. Managing, supervising, training, coaching, and mentoring Paralegals;
7. Ensuring compliance with internal/external standards including ISO:9001, SRA Principles, and Court deadlines;
8. Monitoring and reporting on financial and business performance;
9. Contributing to continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing;
10. Collaborating across departments on joint files and projects;
11. Developing the departmental business plan;
12. Building relationships with clients and enhancing the firm’s profile;
13. Participating in business development activities such as training, articles, and submissions.

The Person

Applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge, experience, and skills, including:

• Qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive (or equivalent), ideally with 2+ years PQE;
• Experience with Childcare matters and court proceedings;
• Experience within a childcare family department;
• Familiarity with CCMS and processing applications;
• Good client care skills and adherence to SRA Code of Conduct;
• Ability to handle own caseload, meet deadlines, and generate fees;
• Alignment with the firm’s values;
• Attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Teamwork capability;
• Strong commercial awareness;
• Proficiency in IT systems (Outlook, Word, etc.);
• Excellent communication skills;
• Interest in long-term development within the department;
• Advocacy experience is a plus.

The Firm

At Forbes Solicitors, we foster a supportive, collaborative environment with offices across the North, rooted in Lancashire. We pride ourselves on practical advice, achieving the best results, and a culture of listening and teamwork. Our accolades include UK Employer of the Year: Silver (2024), Legal 500 Top Tier, and Chambers & Partners Leading Firm.

Our Values

We are committed to authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork. We seek individuals who embody these values and are eager to grow with us.

The Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays;
• Leave purchase scheme;
• Celebration leave;
• Career progression opportunities;
• Company pension;
• Long service awards;
• Health benefits and discounts;
• Referral bonuses;
• Annual events and more.

We are an equal opportunities, disability confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001, committed to reflecting the community in our workforce.