Childcare Solicitor

Role
Forbes Solicitors are looking for a Solicitor to join the Public Family Team at our Preston City Centre office. This is a full-time role working 36.25 hours per week, Monday- Friday, 9am until 5pm.

Are you an experienced childcare solicitor/a member of the Children’s Panel, looking for a new challenge?

This is a great opportunity for a Childcare Solicitor to bring their current skills and knowledge to a collaborative and professional team. Whilst the role will be working to the fast-pace, customer focus and high standards of a law firm, the role will also provide a sustainable work-life balance and relate to the regional area in which it is based.

The role will be responsible for delivering successful outcomes such as:

• Own caseload dealing with a mix of Public Law Family matters, PLO, care proceedings etc;
• Provision of written and verbal legal advice;
• Communications with client, opponents, Courts/Tribunals and third parties to progress files;
• Advocacy at Court;
• Supporting other Family advisors on their own cases, and the delivery of the departmental strategy and business objectives;
• Management, supervision, training, coaching and mentoring of (and delegation of work to) Paralegals to facilitate the achievement of their business objectives and professional development goals;
• Ensuring compliance with internal and external business requirements including ISO:9001 quality control, SRA Principles / Code of Conduct, Court & Tribunal deadlines;
• Monitoring and reporting on own financial and business performance, to deliver work in a profitable manner;
• Contributing towards internal continuous improvement, innovation and knowledge sharing;
• Inter-departmental support and collaboration on joint files, projects and events;
• Contributing to the development of the departmental business plan;
• Building positive relationships with current/prospective clients and enhancing the firm’s profile, to drive business growth;
• Contributing to business development including training events, articles/newsletters, Chambers & Legal 500 submissions, etc.
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Organisation
Forbes Solicitors offer the full range of legal services to individuals, commercial clients and a number of specialist sectors where we excel nationally. We have offices across the North but our roots are firmly based in Lancashire. Our clients tell us that we stand out from other firms. We are real people who are passionate about getting the best results. Working together and listening to our clients, we provide genuine and practical advice.

We are looking for someone who displays our values; specifically someone who is their Authentic self, someone that strives for Exceptional results and someone who can work as a team and be United.

Benefits
We are committed to being supporting organisation that keeps the people at the focus and therefore we offer a range of additional benefits including:

• Competitive Salary;
• 33 Days Annual Leave, including bank holidays;
• Remote Working;
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme (Subject to T&Cs);
• Celebration Leave;
• Ongoing Training and Development;
• Progression Opportunities;
• Company Pension;
• Service Awards;
• Health Care Benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services);
• Other Employee Discounts;
• Recruitment and Legal Department Referrals (Subject to T&C’s);
• Annual Events.

Applying
If you are interested in this role specifically or just working at Forbes Solicitors, please do head to our website to learn more about us.

We will be progressing applicants to the next stage based on applications demonstrating the following the knowledge, experience and skills:

• be a qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive (or equivalent), ideally 2 years PQE;
  
• previous experience of working with Childcare matters and court proceedings is essential;
  
• previous experience within a childcare family department is essential;
  
• be an accredited Children Panel Member is desirable;
  
• have proven competence in their IT skills (outlook, word, case management and other systems experience);
  
• have the ability to work as part of a team;
  
• good client care skills, providing professional and competent legal advice in accordance with SRA Code of Conduct;
  
• proven experience of handling own caseload, working to and managing deadlines, alongside the Capability to generate fees in accordance with agreed targets;
  
• good writing and drafting skills, with excellent communication and technical ability
  
• have excellent attention to detail and organisational skills;
  
• have an interest in long term development/progression in the department;
  
• have good communication skills, both written and verbal;
  
• driving licence and access to a vehicle as travel will be required throughout the North West region. (*If you have a disability that prevents you from driving please specify so we can assess what reasonable adjustments can be made.)

Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer and accredited to Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We support the principle of equal opportunities in relation to any opportunities which we might provide through the engagement of employees; the provision of services to clients; and the appointment and engagement of suppliers. We are committed, wherever practicable, to maintaining a workforce which broadly reflects the local community in which we operate.