Solicitor - 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: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761
*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.*
