Childcare Solicitor

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Northampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension matching 4%

Private healthcare

Group income protection

Death in service 3x salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking a skilled Childcare Solicitor to join our client's top childcare team in the East Midlands (Leicester or Northampton). You will represent children across England with a varied caseload, backed by a supportive team and clear progression paths.

The role requires a qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with at least 5 years PQE in childcare law; Children’s Panel accreditation is preferred.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) with 5+ years PQE in childcare law.
• Children’s Panel accreditation is preferred or may be working towards it.
• Strong advocacy and ability to handle a varied caseload with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Act on behalf of children in a wide range of childcare proceedings.
• Handle care proceedings, EPOs, guardianship and adoption matters.
• Provide clear, practical advice and compassionate support to children and families.
• Undertake advocacy and represent clients at hearings where appropriate.
• Maintain high standards of client care and file management.
• Build relationships with guardians and professional contacts.

Skills

Advocacy

Caseload management

Client care

Communication

Education

Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales)

Job description

Childcare Solicitor (or equivalent)

Location: Leicester or Northampton

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: Ideally 5+ years’ PQE (or equivalent)

If you’re a Childcare Solicitor who wants high-quality public and private children work, strong team support, and the chance to make a real impact, this is a standout opportunity within one of the largest childcare teams in the East Midlands.

Our client is growing and is looking to appoint an experienced childcare lawyer into either their Leicester or Northampton office. The role involves representing children across England, with a varied caseload and the support of a well-established team.

You’ll work on a broad range of childcare proceedings, providing clear, practical advice while offering compassionate support. Children’s Panel accreditation is preferred (or you may be working towards it), and a guardian following would be welcomed.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Acting on behalf of children in a wide range of childcare proceedings, including:
• Care proceedings
• Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs)
• Special guardianship and adoption matters
• Private law applications, including Rule 16.4 instructions
• Separate representation of competent children
• Providing clear, practical advice and compassionate support to children and families
• Undertaking advocacy and representing clients at hearings where appropriate
• Managing files accurately and compliantly, maintaining high standards of client care
• Building relationships with guardians and professional contacts (where applicable)

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales) or equivalent
• Ideally 5+ years’ PQE (or equivalent) in childcare law
• Children’s Panel accreditation is preferred, or you may be working towards it
• Strong advocacy experience
• Confident handling a varied caseload with minimal supervision
• Calm, empathetic communication style and a practical approach to advice
• A genuine passion for childcare work and the impact it has on society
• A guardian following would be welcomed

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 plus bonus and benefits
• The chance to join a large, established childcare team with strong support and expertise
• Varied, meaningful work representing children across England
• Proper work-life balance and a strong regional platform
• Benefits package including:
• Pension scheme with employer matching up to 4%
• Private healthcare (certain positions only and upon passing probation)
• Group income protection (certain positions only)
• Death in service benefit (after qualifying period) paying 3x salary
• Competitive holiday entitlement that rises with length of service
• Paid volunteer leave
• Long service awards
• Flexible benefits including the option to purchase additional annual leave, health screening and retail discounts
• Discounted health club and gym memberships
• Salary sacrifice car scheme (ICE, hybrid and electric), with EV charging points being rolled out across offices

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in either Leicester or Northampton.