Solicitor - Childcare​/Public Law PQE

Position: Solicitor - Childcare / Public Law 2+ Years PQE
Reference:  - Childcare / Public Law - Exeter - 2+ Years PQE

Location:

Exeter Type of Role:
Permanent, Full-time (with hybrid flexibility)
Salary: 50,000 to 75,000 (DOE)
A respected regional law firm is seeking a Childcare / Public Law Solicitor to join its expanding Family team in Exeter. This is a growth role due to increasing demand, offering the chance to work closely with an experienced specialist and contribute to the development of the childcare offering in the Exeter office. Children Panel membership is desirable but not essential for strong junior candidates.

The Role You'll be responsible for managing a varied caseload of childcare and public law matters, including:

Acting for parents, guardians and children in care and supervision proceedings

Handling emergency protection orders, adoption matters and pre proceedings work Managing legally aided cases and ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements

Providing sensitive, clear advice to vulnerable clients

Conducting advocacy in the Family Court and liaising with Counsel Drafting statements, care plans, applications and other court documentation

Managing disclosure, instructing experts and liaising with Children's Guardians and local authorities

Attending hearings, case management conferences and directions hearings

Maintaining accurate case records using the firm's case management system

Ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, LAA regulations and risk management guidelines

Engaging in dispute resolution processes, settlement discussions and mediation

Candidate Requirements This role is suited to a qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with:2+ years' PQE in public family law or care proceedings

Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and public law processes

Experience working on legally aided matters

Confidence conducting advocacy in the Family Court Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to support vulnerable clients

Strong organisational skills and ability to manage a busy caseload

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively within a supportive team Desirable Qualifications Law Society Children Law Accreditation (Children Panel)
Experience acting for children's guardians or representing children

Advanced advocacy experience in complex care cases

Experience in mediation or collaborative law Benefits

The firm offers:

Company pension

Health & wellbeing programme

Company events

Referral programme

Supportive, friendly and collaborative team culture

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you'd like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Email:
/ 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 of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything 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.*