Children Law Solicitor - 3+ Years PQE - Exeter

Chadwick Nott; Exeter; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership opportunity

Support for accreditation

Friendly environment

Strong local reputation

Job summary

Chadwick Nott in Exeter seeks a Children Law Solicitor with 3+ PQE to lead its childcare team, taking ownership, rebuilding the offering and shaping the department's future. The role includes managing public law children matters, care proceedings, Guardian work and CAFCASS liaison, while developing strong local relationships.

The firm welcomes candidates on the Children Panel or aiming for accreditation, with full support; salary £55,000–£80,000 (permanent, full-time) in a respected regional

Qualifications

• 3+ years' PQE in childcare/public law
• Children Panel membership or accreditation pursuit
• Confidence handling care proceedings and complex public law matters
• Strong advocacy and ability to work independently
• Ambition to lead, develop and grow a department
• Excellent communication skills and a calm, supportive approach
• Desire to build long term relationships within the local community

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of public law children matters
• Lead care proceedings, supervision orders and related applications
• Handle Guardian work and liaise with CAFCASS
• Represent parents, children and extended family members
• Lead and develop the childcare offering
• Supervise junior colleagues and contribute to team structure
• Drive business development and build local relationships
• Work with the wider family team to ensure continuity of service

Skills

3+ PQE

Children Panel

Advocacy skills

Independent work

Leadership

Communication skills

Community relationships

Job description

Children Law Solicitor - 3+ Years PQE - Department Lead Opportunity - Exeter

Location: Exeter

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: £55,000 to £80,000

A well established regional practice is seeking a Children Law Solicitor (3+ PQE) to join and lead its childcare team in Exeter. This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious lawyer to take ownership of a department, rebuild and grow the childcare offering, and play a key role in shaping the future of the team.

The firm is open to considering candidates already on the Children Panel or those keen to work towards accreditation with full support.

The Role

• Managing a caseload of public law children matters
• Acting on care proceedings, supervision orders and related applications
• Handling Guardian work and liaising with CAFCASS
• Representing parents, children and extended family members
• Leading and developing the childcare offering
• Supervising junior colleagues and contributing to team structure
• Driving business development and building strong local relationships
• Working closely with the wider family team to ensure continuity of service

Candidate Requirements

• 3+ years' PQE in childcare / public law children matters
• Children Panel membership or a strong desire to obtain accreditation
• Confidence handling care proceedings and complex public law matters
• Strong advocacy skills and ability to work independently
• Ambition to lead, develop and grow a department
• Excellent communication skills and a calm, supportive approach
• Desire to build long term relationships within the local community

The firm is open to considering more senior candidates up to Managing Associate level.

Benefits

• Salary between £55,000 and £80,000, depending on experience
• Genuine leadership opportunity
• Support for Children Panel accreditation
• Friendly, close knit and supportive working environment
• Strong local reputation and established client base

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, culture or any other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.