Legal Southwest
An established and well-respected regional law firm is seeking an experienced Child Law Lawyer to join its Family Department, based in either its Taunton or Exeter office.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified legal professional with a passion for child advocacy to work within a supportive and collaborative team, providing expert legal advice and representation in a wide range of public family law matters. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting children and families through complex and often sensitive legal proceedings.
Key Responsibilities:
- Represent parents, guardians and children in public family law matters, including care proceedings, supervision orders, emergency protection orders and adoption cases.
- Manage legally aided matters, ensuring full compliance with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) requirements and funding procedures.
- Provide clear, empathetic and professional legal advice to vulnerable clients during sensitive and often challenging circumstances.
- Represent clients at pre-proceedings meetings, court hearings and case management conferences.
- Conduct advocacy within the Family Court and instruct Counsel where appropriate.
- Prepare and draft legal documentation, including witness statements, care plans and court reports.
- Manage disclosure processes and instruct expert witnesses when required.
- Liaise with local authorities, Children’s Guardians, social services and other relevant agencies involved in child protection matters.
- Maintain accurate case records using case management systems, ensuring files remain compliant with regulatory and internal standards.
- Ensure all matters comply with statutory obligations, Legal Aid Agency regulations and risk management procedures.
- Keep up to date with developments in child care legislation and Legal Aid requirements.
- Participate in negotiations, mediation and other dispute resolution processes where appropriate to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.
Skills & Experience:
The successful candidate will have:
- Qualification as a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive
- A minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience in public family law or care proceedings.
- Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989, public law proceedings and child protection legislation.
- Experience managing legally aided cases with a sound understanding of Legal Aid Agency processes and compliance.
- Confident advocacy skills within the Family Court.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with vulnerable clients.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy caseload while meeting court deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a supportive legal team.
Benefits:
The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- Company pension
- Health and wellbeing programme
- Employee referral scheme
- Company social events
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Child Law Lawyer looking to join a respected regional practice committed to delivering exceptional client care and making a positive difference to the lives of children and families.
Please let in touch if you would like more information about this role or send your CV via the form below in complete confidence and we will get back to you.
If you would prefer to talk to us in the first instance, please get in touch About Us – Legal Southwest
Discover more about who we are and what it’s like to work with us. Visit our LinkedIn page; Legal Southwest Ltd | LinkedIn
Legal Southwest will never, without exception, send out your CV without your prior knowledge or consent so please be assured that we treat every application with the utmost confidentiality.
