Children's Panel Solicitor

Clear Legal & Financial Recruitment; Sunderland; Sur place; GBP 55 000 - 90 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Clear Legal & Financial Recruitment is seeking an experienced Public Children Law Solicitor to join the Family Law team in Sunderland. The role offers potential progression toward Associate level and supervisory responsibilities.

You will manage a varied caseload in public children law, handling care proceedings, child protection matters, adoption and related orders, while representing children and families with sensitivity and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 6 years' PQE.
• Substantial experience in Public Children Law and care proceedings.
• Current membership of the Law Society Children Law Accreditation Scheme / Children Panel.
• Experience managing a own children law caseload.
• Strong understanding of Legal Aid, court procedures, case management and safeguarding requirements.

Responsabilités

• Manage a varied caseload of public children law and care proceedings.
• Handle care proceedings, child protection matters and emergency applications.
• Deal with placement and adoption matters, Special Guardianship Orders and discharge applications.
• Advise and represent children, parents and family members in complex proceedings.
• Act through Children’s Guardians where appropriate.
• Manage matters from initial instruction through to conclusion.
• Review evidence and prepare cases for hearings.
• Attend advocates' meetings, professionals' meetings and conferences with Counsel.
• Work closely with Children’s Guardians, Counsel, experts, local authorities and court staff.
• Ensure compliance with court directions, safeguarding and Legal Aid Agency requirements.
• Maintain high standards of client care, especially for vulnerable clients.
• Supervise and support trainees, paralegals and junior fee earners where appropriate.
• Contribute to business development and growth of the department.
• Build and maintain relationships with key professional contacts and referrers.

Connaissances

Public Children Law

Case management

Client care

Communication

Collaboration

Supervision support

Formation

Solicitor (6+ years PQE)

Description du poste

Our client is recruiting for an experienced Children's Panel Solicitor to join their established Family Law team in Sunderland.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Public Children Law Solicitor to manage a varied and high-quality caseload within a supportive and progressive environment.

The role offers clear opportunities for career progression, including the potential to progress towards Associate level and take on greater supervisory and leadership responsibilities.

The Role

• Managing a varied caseload of public children law and care proceedings matters.
• Handling care proceedings, child protection matters and emergency applications.
• Dealing with placement and adoption matters, Special Guardianship Orders and discharge applications.
• Advising and representing children, parents and family members in complex and sensitive proceedings.
• Acting through Children's Guardians where appropriate.
• Managing matters from initial instruction through to conclusion.
• Reviewing evidence and preparing cases for hearings.
• Attending advocates' meetings, professionals' meetings and conferences with Counsel.
• Working closely with Children's Guardians, Counsel, experts, local authorities, support services and court staff.
• Ensuring compliance with court directions, safeguarding requirements and Legal Aid Agency requirements.
• Maintaining high standards of client care, particularly when supporting vulnerable clients.
• Supervising and supporting trainees, paralegals, legal assistants and junior fee earners where appropriate.
• Contributing to business development, networking and the continued growth of the department.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key professional contacts and referrers.

The Candidate

• Be a qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 6 years' PQE.
• Have substantial experience in Public Children Law and care proceedings.
• Be a current member of the Law Society Children Law Accreditation Scheme / Children Panel.
• Have experience managing their own children law caseload.
• Have a strong understanding of Legal Aid, court procedures, case management and safeguarding requirements.
• Be confident handling complex, sensitive and urgent matters.
• Have excellent client care and communication skills.
• Be able to manage a busy caseload, prioritise effectively and meet strict deadlines.
• Be comfortable working with vulnerable clients and handling highly sensitive matters.
• Have a collaborative approach and an interest in supporting more junior members of the team.
• Have an interest in business development and building professional relationships.