Head of Family department – Childcare

A well-established and highly respected law firm is seeking an experienced Head of Childcare Department to lead its dedicated and supportive childcare team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior childcare solicitor looking to take the next step into a strategic leadership role within a genuinely collaborative environment. The department is extremely team-focused, and the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting and developing a close-knit team of 12 staff, including two part-time Partners, solicitors, trainees and support staff.

As Head of Department, you will oversee a busy and established Care team while maintaining your own high-quality caseload of public childcare matters. You will provide strong leadership, technical supervision and operational oversight, ensuring exceptional client care and departmental performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a complex caseload of public childcare matters including:
  • Care proceedings
  • Emergency protection applications
  • Special guardianship matters
  • Related family law issues
• Advocacy and representation of parents, children, guardians and other parties
• Supervising complex and high-risk cases across the department
• Leading, mentoring and supporting solicitors, trainees and paralegals
• Monitoring departmental financial performance and resource allocation
• Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements, SRA regulations and court deadlines
• Conducting appraisals and identifying ongoing training and development needs

The firm is looking for a confident and approachable leader who enjoys working collaboratively and supporting others.

You will have: 

• 10+ years' PQE with substantial childcare law experience
• Membership of the Law Society's Children Panel
• Strong advocacy and case strategy skills
• Proven experience managing and supervising legal teams
• Excellent knowledge of Legal Aid funding and compliance
• A supportive and team-oriented management style

Benefits include: 

• Hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Enhanced company sick pay
• Discretionary bonus (team and personal)
• Regular social events throughout the year
• Supportive and collaborative working culture

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected firm where teamwork, support and high-quality client care are at the heart of the department.