Role: Childcare Solicitor
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000
Location: Nottingham, Derby, or Chesterfield Offices
Contract: Full time, permanent, hybrid

About the Role

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Newly Qualified Solicitor to join a busy and respected Childcare Law team.
The successful candidate will assist with and develop a caseload of public law children matters, representing parents, family members and children involved in care proceedings and related applications. This role offers excellent supervision, training and development for a solicitor looking to build a long-term career in childcare law.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with and managing childcare law matters under appropriate supervision.
• Advising and representing clients in:
  • Care proceedings
  • Emergency protection applications
  • Interim care order applications
  • Special guardianship matters
  • Placement and adoption proceedings
  • Other public law children matters
• Attending court hearings, conferences and client meetings.
• Drafting applications, statements, correspondence and legal documents.
• Liaising with clients, local authorities, Children's Guardians, experts and other professionals.
• Ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and professional obligations.
• Providing excellent client care throughout the lifecycle of a case.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales, or due to qualify shortly.
• Demonstrable interest in childcare and public law children work.
• Experience gained through a training contract, paralegal role, placement or previous employment in family or childcare law.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Commitment to supporting vulnerable clients and achieving positive outcomes.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience assisting on care proceedings.
• Advocacy experience.
• Knowledge of legal aid procedures and public funding.
• Long-term interest in developing a specialist practice in childcare law.

Benefits

• Comprehensive supervision and mentoring.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Clear opportunities for career progression.
• Supportive team environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

This role presents an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified solicitor seeking to establish a successful career in childcare law within a supportive and professional environment.

Additional Information:

CRA Legal follow strict best practice recruitment guidelines monitored by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Please note our advertisements use salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.

This vacancy is very popular with the local legal community, so please apply quickly to ensure your application is considered. As part of our candidate registration and care process we at CRA Legal aim to respond to all successful applications within 2 working days.