Solicitor (Head of Department - Child Care)

HarKaye Core Talent; England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A national law firm is seeking a Head of Department for its Child Care (Public Law) team. The role involves leading strategy and operational performance while driving substantial impact on clients and the legal profession. Ideal candidates will be qualified solicitors or CILEX with over 7 years of PQE in Child Care/Public Law, proven leadership skills, and a strong commercial background. This position offers flexibility with remote or hybrid working options and a competitive salary with performance bonuses.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Flexible working options

Support from Finance, HR, and IT

Qualifications

• 7+ years PQE in Child Care/Public Law is required.
• Experience in a legal leadership role is essential.
• Strong understanding of legal aid and public law is needed.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategy and operational excellence within the department.
• Mentor and lead a multi-disciplinary team.
• Oversee budgets and compliance with legal standards.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Communication

Compliance

Education

Qualified Solicitor or CILEX

Job description

🚀 Now Hiring : Head of Department – Child Care (Public Law)

Remote / Hybrid | Senior Leadership | National Law Firm

Harkaye is partnering exclusively with a nationally respected law firm to appoint a visionary leader to oversee their high-performing Child Care (Public Law) team.

This is your chance to shape the future of a nationally recognised department , leading strategy, people, performance, and growth while making a real impact for clients and the legal profession.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Lead a top-performing national Child Care team
• Full strategic and operational ownership
• Flexible, modern working (remote / hybrid)
• Competitive salary + performance bonus
• Strong infrastructure : Finance, HR, Risk, IT, L&D support
• Meaningful, high-impact caseload and clients

What You’ll Do

• Drive strategy, commercial performance, and operational excellence
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-disciplinary team
• Oversee budgets, billing, and compliance (Lexcel, LAA)
• Build external profile and lead business development
• Collaborate with internal teams to support growth and innovation

What You’ll Bring

• Qualified Solicitor or CILEX with 7+ years PQE in Child Care / Public Law
• Proven leadership in a legal setting
• Strong commercial and Legal Aid / public law knowledge
• Excellent people management, communication, and compliance skills
• Values-driven, outcomes-focused leadership

💡 Step into a role where your leadership shapes a nationally recognised department and drives real impact.

📩 Submit your CV today or contact Harkaye for a confidential discussion.