Childcare Solicitor

CRA Legal; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent supervision

Structured training

Career progression

Supportive team environment

Competitive salary & benefits

Job summary

CRA Legal in Peterborough is seeking a junior Childcare Solicitor to join our Family Law team. You’ll work under supervision on publicly funded childcare matters and gradually take on your own caseload as you develop expertise.

The role targets newly qualified solicitors or those with up to two years PQE. We offer training, mentoring and a supportive environment with a hybrid working pattern.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales, or due to qualify shortly.
• Genuine interest in developing a specialist career in childcare law.
• Experience gained through a training contract, previous legal role, paralegal position or legal placement.

Responsibilities

• Assist with and progressively manage a caseload of public law children matters.
• Advise and represent clients in care proceedings and related applications, including: Care proceedings; Emergency Protection Orders; Interim Care Orders; Special Guardianship Orders; Placement and adoption proceedings; Other public children law matters.
• Attend court hearings, client meetings and conferences; Prepare applications, statements, correspondence and other legal documentation; Liaise with clients, local authorities, Children’s Guardians and other professionals; Work in line with Legal Aid Agency requirements; Provide a sensitive, professional and client-focused service.

Skills

Solicitor (England & Wales)

Public children law interest

Communication skills

Case management

Education

Legal training contract

Paralegal experience

Job description

Childcare Solicitor – Peterborough, Cambridgeshire – £40,000 - £45,000 – Full time, permanent, hybrid

CRA Consulting is delighted to be working with a well-established and respected law firm to recruit a Childcare Solicitor to join its friendly and supportive Family Law team in Peterborough. This is an excellent opportunity for a Newly Qualified Solicitor or Solicitor with up to two years' PQE who is looking to develop a long-term career specialising in public children law. You'll work closely with experienced practitioners and benefit from ongoing supervision, mentoring and training as you build your own caseload of legally aided childcare matters. If you're passionate about supporting vulnerable children and families and want to develop your expertise within a collaborative team, this could be an ideal next step in your career.

The Role

You’ll work alongside experienced childcare solicitors, initially assisting with a varied caseload before gradually taking greater responsibility for your own matters. The role will involve advising and representing parents, family members and children in care proceedings and associated applications. You’ll gain valuable exposure to a range of public law children cases while developing your advocacy, case management and client-handling skills. As your confidence and experience grow, so will your responsibility, with strong support available from senior members of the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with and progressively manage a caseload of public law children matters.
• Advise and represent clients in care proceedings and related applications, including:
  • Care proceedings
  • Emergency Protection Orders
  • Interim Care Orders
  • Special Guardianship Orders
  • Placement and adoption proceedings
  • Other public children law matters
• Attend court hearings, client meetings and conferences.
• Prepare applications, statements, correspondence and other legal documentation.
• Liaise effectively with clients, local authorities, Children's Guardians, experts and other professionals.
• Work in accordance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and regulatory obligations.
• Provide a sensitive, professional and client-focused service throughout proceedings.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified Solicitor in England & Wales, or due to qualify shortly.
• Has a genuine interest in developing a specialist career in childcare law.
• Has relevant experience gained through a training contract, previous legal role, paralegal position or legal placement.
• Has strong communication, organisational and client-care skills.
• Can prioritise and manage a busy caseload effectively.
• Demonstrates empathy, resilience and professionalism when working with vulnerable clients.

Desirable Experience

Previous experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Care proceedings or public children law.
• Court attendance or advocacy.
• Legal Aid Agency procedures and publicly funded work.
• A clear ambition to build a long-term career within childcare law.

What's on Offer?

• Excellent supervision and mentoring from experienced childcare practitioners.
• Structured training and continued professional development.
• Genuine opportunities for progression and career development.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.Competitive salary and benefits package.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a junior solicitor to build a strong foundation in childcare law and develop into a confident specialist within a respected Family Law team in Peterborough.