Childcare Lawyer

Pardoes Solicitors is a dynamic and forward-thinking law firm in the South West. We pride ourselves on delivering expert legal advice with empathy and care, helping people in our community protect their interests now and in the future.

We are a versatile and adaptive practice with a unique approach to the delivery of legal services, and the welfare of our employees. With a modern approach, the firm employs professionals of high calibre who are legal experts within their areas of law. We pride ourselves on high levels of client care and look to provide an outstanding service at all times.

Our people have been recognised by The Legal 500 and are proud to achieve consistently high reviews from our clients on Google and Review Solicitors. We have strong links with community services, charities, Chamber of Commerce, the Armed Forces, and Hinkley Point.

The successful candidate will be working with the Head of our Family Department who has been recognised as a named individual in The Legal 500 (Top Tier) as "Recommended Lawyer" and "Next Generation Partner".

Key benefits of working with us include flexible hybrid working, excellent skilled administrative support, access to top tier resources and the latest in case management and legal research/practice technology, including Lexis+AI.

Responsibilities

• Building and managing a caseload; you will be responsible for all aspects of Child Care and Legal Aid work including client care, provision of expert representation and advice, as well as undertaking your own advocacy.
• Assisting with delivery of appropriate training and development in the department, and providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members.
• Variety of duties including dealing with a range of primarily legally aided public and private children cases including Care, Placement and Adoption proceedings, child abduction, child protection issues, Special Guardianship, Family Law Act and Children Act matters.
• Maintain accurate and complete files and records in line with SRA/SQM and Legal Aid Agency standards and procedures.
• Assist with running the legal aid contract as appropriate, bill files, complete legal aid applications and comply with other Legal Aid Agency requirements including Supervision.

Requirements

• Candidates must meet the Legal Aid Agency Supervisor Standard for public law children and have significant experience of acting for clients in public/private children law matters.
• Registered with the Law Society and Children Panel Membership is desirable.
• Committed team player with ability to approach team concerns fairly, foster culture of positive change and encourage cross referrals.
• Previous proven supervisory experience and working to key performance indicators.
• Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business.
• Working knowledge of the publicly funded Child Care work and have the ability to service privately funded cases.
• Have extensive experience in dealing with this area of law, and ideally experience in managing cases involving domestic abuse and injunctive applications.
• Experience in own advocacy is an advantage.
• Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications and case/document management skills.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Excellent progression opportunities.
• Support for appropriate legal awards/recognition.
• Generous holiday entitlement.
• Flexible/hybrid working.
• A positive friendly working environment within a firm that respects the work/life balance and welfare of its employees, and rewards hard work.
• Life Insurance.
• Pension.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• On site parking.