Commercial Litigation Associate

Location: Leeds (office-based three days most weeks)

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 1 to 5 years’ PQE

A high-quality commercial litigation opportunity in Leeds for a solicitor who enjoys variety, wants to build real depth, and is looking for a team where you will be trusted with complex work early.

Our client is looking to hire an Associate into its Commercial Litigation team. This is a broad disputes role rather than a niche specialism, working alongside dedicated teams in areas such as property litigation, construction, employment and financial litigation.

You will join a well-resourced team with a strong reputation for handling complex, high-value disputes. The team currently includes 2 Partners, 3 Legal Directors, 4 Senior Associates and 1 Associate, so you will have support around you while still getting meaningful responsibility.

This role suits someone with a solid grounding in general commercial litigation who wants to work on technically interesting matters and develop strong client-handling skills.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a varied caseload of commercial litigation matters, with appropriate supervision

• Supporting on high-value, complex disputes, including multi-party matters where relevant

• Advising clients on strategy, risk and settlement options with a commercial, pragmatic approach

• Drafting correspondence, pleadings, witness evidence and court documents as required

• Working closely with colleagues across the firm to deliver joined-up advice

• Attending mediations, hearings and client meetings where needed

• Supporting business development activity and helping to build long-term client relationships

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

• 1 to 5 years’ PQE (or equivalent) with broad commercial litigation experience

• Strong academics and training from a reputable firm

• Confident drafting skills and strong attention to detail

• Commercial approach and good judgement under pressure

• Collaborative working style and a genuine interest in client relationships

What’s On Offer

• Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 (dependent on experience)

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, plus your birthday off

• Option to buy or sell annual leave

• Private healthcare

• Profit share scheme

• Pension and life assurance

• Enhanced family-friendly leave

• Paid volunteering days

• Wellbeing support and wellness benefits

• Additional benefits including retail perks and Cycle to Work

• Clubs and committees to get involved in across the firm

Working Arrangements

Leeds-based role Hybrid working available, with an expectation of being in the office three days most weeks

How to Apply

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Family Solicitor or Legal Executive / New Office Lead

Location: Flexible across England (new office location to be agreed)

Salary: Open to discussions on salary and bonus

Experience: Ideally 8+ years’ relevant family law experience (other strong candidates considered)

If you’re an experienced private family lawyer who wants to build something of your own, with the backing of a respected specialist brand and a genuinely supportive culture, this is a rare opportunity.

Our client is a family-owned, long-established private family law firm with a strong reputation for practical, commercially aware and client-focused advice. Due to continued success and a growing national profile, they are looking to appoint a Family Solicitor or Legal Executive to establish and lead a new office in an agreed location.

This is not a standard fee earner position. You will have real autonomy to shape the local practice, recruit and develop a team, and grow a sustainable pipeline, supported by central operations, compliance, marketing and business development.

Despite growth and additional offices, the firm has retained the personal, collaborative feel of a traditional family business. They are looking for a well-rounded family lawyer who combines strong technical ability and sound commercial judgement with leadership skills and a genuine business development focus.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Establishing and leading a new office in a location agreed with the firm

• Managing a varied and complex private family law caseload with minimal supervision

• Advising on private children matters and financial remedy claims

• Advising on divorce, separation and cohabitation disputes

• Advising on pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and separation agreements

• Advising on protective injunctions where appropriate

• Handling TOLATA matters where experienced (desirable, not essential)

• Conducting litigation and the reserved legal activities required for the role

• Conducting negotiations with solicitors, other representatives and litigants in person

• Attending client meetings, conferences and court hearings where appropriate

• Exercising rights of audience where required and within your authorisation

• Instructing and working effectively with counsel and experts

• Maintaining high standards of time recording, billing, costs management and compliance

• Developing a local referral network and professional profile

• Attending networking events and building relationships within the local community

• Supporting marketing and business development initiatives

• Identifying opportunities for sustainable growth

• Contributing to decisions on the location, development and operation of the new office

• Recruiting, supervising and developing colleagues as the office grows

• Collaborating with colleagues across the firm’s other offices

• Contributing to the firm’s wider strategy and continued growth

What We’re Looking For

• A Solicitor (England and Wales) with a current practising certificate, or a CILEX Lawyer / Chartered Legal Executive with the practising rights and authorisations required for the role

• Authorised to carry on the reserved legal activities essential to the role

• Substantial practical experience of private family law

• Strong experience of private children and financial remedy matters

• Confidence managing a varied and complex caseload 

• Strong technical knowledge and practical judgement

• A strong billing history and clear understanding of the commercial requirements of private family work

• Excellent client-care, communication and interpersonal skills

• Clear, accurate and persuasive drafting

• Confidence negotiating and handling sensitive matters

• Strong file management, time recording and financial discipline

• Confidence using case management systems and Microsoft Office

• Leadership potential and, where applicable, experience supervising and developing colleagues

• A collaborative approach and willingness to share knowledge

• Genuine interest in networking, marketing and business development

• Ambition to build a sustainable local practice and team

• Commitment to the firm’s values, culture and long-term growth

What’s On Offer

• The opportunity to establish, develop and lead a new office in an agreed location

• The backing of an established, specialist private family law brand with a strong reputation

• Central administrative, compliance and operational support

• Central marketing and business development support

• Access to colleagues across existing offices with different areas of experience and strengths

• Open to discussions on salary and bonus (depending on experience)

• Full-time or part-time considered

• Flexible start and finish times where operationally possible

• Potential for agreed homeworking arrangements (subject to client, team and business requirements)

• Regular file reviews and constructive professional support

• Opportunity to recruit, supervise and develop a local team

• Genuine long-term progression opportunities

• Potential eligibility for a discretionary bonus scheme (subject to eligibility)

• Paid birthday day off (in addition to annual leave)

• Christmas office closure (in addition to annual leave)

• Opportunity to accrue additional annual leave with length of service

• Workplace pension

• Death-in-service cover

• Health cash plan, including access to a remote doctor

• Discretionary rewards recognising individual achievements

• Inclusive staff and family social events

Working Arrangements

The location and development plan for the new office will be agreed with the successful candidate, taking account of your existing network and local knowledge, local demand for specialist private family services, and the commercial viability and growth potential of the proposed location.

As this is an office establishment and leadership role, you will be expected to maintain an appropriate physical presence in the agreed location, particularly during the office’s initial development and when recruiting or supervising colleagues.

Home working days can be discussed for work suited to focused remote working, such as drafting and file preparation, subject to client, team and business requirements.

Next Steps

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications are handled in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Employment Law Head of Department/ Legal Director

Location: Leeds (Hybrid, min 3 days per week in the office)

Salary: Up to £70,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 8+ years’ PQE (senior candidates considered)

If you are an employment solicitor who enjoys building something, this is a rare chance to take ownership of an employment offering and grow it into a recognised team.

Our client is looking to recruit an Employment Solicitor at Head of Department or Director level into its Leeds office. The firm receives a consistent volume of employment enquiries, but does not currently have an in-house employment specialist, so this hire will play a central role in shaping the service, developing internal relationships and building a pipeline of work.

This is a leadership hire for someone who is comfortable combining high-quality employment law advice with business development and team-building. You will have the autonomy to set direction, create practical processes, and develop the firm’s employment proposition, while still maintaining your own caseload.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the development of the firm’s employment law offering in Leeds

• Managing a varied employment caseload for employer and employee clients

• Advising on day-to-day HR matters, contracts and policies

• Supporting on restructures, redundancies and organisational change projects

• Advising on grievances, disciplinaries and performance management issues

• Drafting and negotiating settlement agreements

• Handling Employment Tribunal claims and contentious employment disputes

• Working closely with colleagues across other departments to support cross-referrals and joined-up advice

• Building relationships with referrers and generating new instructions through business development

• Creating and improving templates, precedents and processes to support consistent delivery

• Recruiting, supervising and developing team members as the department grows

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

• Ideally 8+ years’ PQE in employment law (senior candidates considered)

• Comfortable working with autonomy and taking ownership of a service line

• Strong technical ability across contentious and non-contentious employment work

• Commercial, pragmatic approach and confident client handling

• Proven interest in business development and relationship building

• Leadership mindset, with the ability to mentor and develop others over time

What’s On Offer

• Salary up to £70,000 plus bonus and benefits

• A genuine opportunity to build and lead an employment team

• Strong existing enquiry flow to help you establish momentum

• Supportive leadership and the ability to shape the role around your strengths

• Clear scope to develop a long-term career in a senior position

Working Arrangements

This is a full-time or part-time, permanent role based in Leeds. The expectation is a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Legal Assistant – Employment & Litigation

Location: York

Salary: £23,000 to £28,000

Experience: Previous legal / professional services experience preferred (but not essential)

If you are great with people, brilliant with detail and confident with technology, this could be a brilliant next step. This is a busy, hands-on Legal Assistant role supporting an Employment and Litigation team, where you will help keep matters moving and make a real difference to the client experience.

Our client is looking for someone organised, proactive and digitally confident, with strong admin skills and the ability to juggle priorities. Experience in a legal, compliance or professional services environment is helpful, but the team is equally open to strong transferable skills and the right attitude.

This is more than a paperwork role. You will be the person who keeps files in order, supports fee earners day to day and helps ensure clients feel looked after from first enquiry through to completion. You will gain exposure to Employment and Litigation work, build confidence with digital case management systems and develop your skills in a supportive team environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting clients from initial enquiry through to completion of their matter

• Managing digital files, document production and document management

• Assisting with client onboarding and compliance checks

• Preparing correspondence, documents and case-related financial records

• Supporting fee earners with diary management and day-to-day admin tasks

• Assisting with basic legal research and casework support as required

• Working collaboratively with colleagues to meet deadlines and maintain accurate records

What We’re Looking For

• Strong admin and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing tasks

• Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and willingness to learn new systems

• High attention to detail and pride in accuracy and getting things right first time

• Clear, professional communication style with empathy and discretion

• A proactive approach, using initiative while knowing when to ask for guidance

• Experience in a legal, compliance or professional services environment is desirable but not essential

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £23,000 to £28,000

• A supportive team environment where your contribution is valued

• Exposure to Employment and Litigation work and the chance to broaden your experience

• Training and development opportunities to build confidence and capability

Working Arrangements

Full-time role based in York.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Residential Conveyancing Paralegal

Location: Richmond, Surrey
Salary: £26,000 to £32,000, depending on experience
Job type: Permanent, full-time
Working pattern: Office-based
Sector: UK Legal Practice

The Opportunity

An established law firm in Richmond is seeking a Residential Conveyancing Paralegal to join its busy Property team.

Working closely with experienced fee earners, you will help progress Residential Property transactions from initial instruction through exchange, completion and post-completion.

This role would suit an organised and client-focused Paralegal who has recent Conveyancing experience within a UK Legal Practice and is looking to develop greater technical knowledge and responsibility.

The Role

Your responsibilities may include:

• Opening files and preparing client-care documentation
• Completing AML, identity and source-of-funds checks
• Supporting freehold and leasehold sales and purchases
• Preparing draft contract packs and routine Conveyancing documents
• Ordering searches and reviewing results
• Assisting with title investigation and enquiries
• Liaising with clients, estate agents, lenders and other Solicitors
• Supporting exchange and completion
• Preparing completion statements
• Assisting with SDLT Returns and Land Registry applications
• Responding to post-completion requirements and requisitions
• Maintaining accurate and compliant matter records

About You

You should ideally have:

• Recent Residential Conveyancing experience within a UK Legal Practice
• Practical exposure to freehold and leasehold transactions
• Experience supporting matters through multiple stages of the Conveyancing process
• Knowledge of AML and client-onboarding requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Good organisation and attention to detail
• Confidence managing competing deadlines
• Experience using legal case-management systems
• A professional and client-focused approach
• The ability to work full-time from the Richmond office

Applications may also be considered from experienced Conveyancing Assistants who can demonstrate relevant Property experience and the ability to progress matters effectively under supervision.

Salary and Benefits

The opportunity offers:

• £26,000 to £32,000, depending on experience and technical capability
• Direct experience across Residential Property transactions
• Support from experienced Property lawyers
• Exposure to freehold and leasehold work
• Increasing responsibility as experience develops
• Long-term professional development
• A collaborative office-based working environment

The complete benefits package will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Location

The role is based full-time in the firm’s Richmond, Surrey office.

Applicants should confirm:

• Their current location or area of residence
• Their ability to commute reliably to Richmond
• Their salary expectations
• Their notice period

Apply in Confidence

To discuss this opportunity confidentially, contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Managing Director
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

All applications will be treated confidentially. No identifying information will be shared with the hiring firm without informed written consent for this specific opportunity.

Senior Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Solicitor

Location: Watford / North West London
Salary: £75,000 to £100,000, depending on experience
Job type: Permanent, full-time
Experience: Ideally 10+ years’ PQE
Working pattern: Office-based with flexibility considered

The Opportunity

An established independent law firm is seeking a Senior Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Solicitor to join its claimant litigation team.

You will manage a varied caseload from initial instruction through to settlement or trial, including Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence claims. The position combines technical case management, direct client responsibility, junior supervision and contribution to departmental performance.

This opportunity would suit an experienced claimant Solicitor who can manage complex matters independently while providing clear and compassionate support to clients.

The Role

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence claims from instruction through resolution
• Handling workplace accidents, road traffic accidents, public liability and medical negligence matters
• Assessing liability, causation, quantum and litigation risk
• Drafting claim forms, pleadings, witness statements and settlement documents
• Obtaining and analysing medical evidence
• Liaising with clients, medical experts, Counsel, defendants and insurers
• Preparing schedules of loss and settlement proposals
• Conducting negotiations, mediations and other settlement discussions
• Progressing litigated matters in accordance with court directions
• Maintaining accurate files and meeting procedural deadlines
• Delegating appropriate work to trainees and junior colleagues
• Supporting profitability while maintaining high client-care standards

About You

You should ideally have:

• Qualification as a Solicitor in England and Wales
• Approximately 10 years’ PQE or more
• Recent claimant Personal Injury or Clinical Negligence experience within a UK Legal Practice
• Experience managing complex claims independently
• Strong knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules, relevant protocols and limitation
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and evidence-analysis skills
• Confidence working with medical experts and Counsel
• Experience supervising trainees or junior colleagues
• Strong commercial awareness and financial case management
• A compassionate, practical and client-focused approach
• The ability to work effectively with minimal supervision

Applications may also be considered from candidates slightly outside the preferred PQE range where substantial technical expertise and autonomous case-management capability can be demonstrated.

Salary and Benefits

The opportunity offers:

• £75,000 to £100,000, depending on PQE, technical experience and commercial contribution
• A varied claimant Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence caseload
• Autonomy over matters and direct client responsibility
• Support from an established litigation team
• Opportunities to supervise junior colleagues
• Flexible working arrangements considered
• Scope for continued career development
• A collaborative and professional working environment

Candidates offering complex Clinical Negligence capability, high-value case experience, strong billing performance, team leadership or client-generation skills may justify consideration towards the upper end of the range.

The complete benefits package and working arrangements will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

Location

The position is based in the Watford area, accessible from North West London, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Some flexibility may be considered depending on experience and the needs of the team.

Apply in Confidence

To discuss this opportunity confidentially, contact:

David Hawthorne-Finch
Managing Director
Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions
Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

All enquiries will be treated confidentially. No CV or identifying information will be shared with the hiring firm without informed written consent for this specific opportunity.

Dispute Resolution Solicitor / Litigator

Location: Ashton-under-Lyne

Salary: £55,000 to £75,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 4 to 7+ years’ PQE (strong candidates with slightly less experience considered)

This is a strong opportunity for a dispute resolution solicitor who enjoys variety, wants to run their own caseload, and is keen to be part of a team with genuine scope to grow and progress.

Our client is looking to appoint a Dispute Resolution Solicitor / Litigator into their Dispute Resolution team in Ashton-under-Lyne. You will act for a solid client base of corporate and individual clients and manage a broad range of contentious work. The role also offers the chance to support colleagues across the firm on litigation matters and contribute to the continued development of the wider business legal offering.

You will handle a genuinely mixed caseload, including contractual disputes, professional negligence, property disputes and contentious probate. This role will suit someone who is confident managing matters from instruction through to resolution, values strong client relationships, and wants long-term progression.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing your own varied dispute resolution caseload

• Advising on contractual disputes

• Handling professional negligence matters

• Dealing with neighbour and boundary disputes

• Advising on debt recovery, insolvency and enforcement matters

• Managing contentious probate matters, including will validity challenges and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975

• Handling property litigation matters, including possession and dilapidation claims (residential and commercial)

• Advising on employment-related disputes, including Employment Tribunal claims, settlement agreements and non-contentious advisory work

• Handling Employer’s Liability (EL) and Public Liability (PL) claims

• Building strong working relationships with clients and colleagues

• Providing support and advice to colleagues within the firm on litigation matters

• Contributing to the growth and development of the dispute resolution and wider business legal offering

• Assisting with legal surgery sessions in relation to litigation enquiries

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor (England and Wales)

• Ideally 4 to 7+ years’ PQE (strong candidates with slightly less experience considered)

• Broad dispute resolution experience across a range of litigation matters

• Confident running your own caseload and managing deadlines

• Strong drafting skills and a practical, client-focused approach

• Comfortable working with both corporate and individual clients

• A collaborative mindset and willingness to support colleagues

• Not purely process-driven PI or RTA litigation background

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £55,000 to £75,000 plus bonus and benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

• Loyalty holiday scheme

• Option to purchase additional holiday

• Contributory pension scheme (auto-enrolment)

• Discretionary annual bonus scheme

• Health and wellbeing benefits (including a healthcare cash plan)

• Death in service cover

• Good prospects for career progression

Working Arrangements

This is a permanent, full-time role. Part-time working will be considered.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Court of Protection Head of Department

Location: Ashton-under-Lyne

Salary: £70,000 to £95,000 plus bonus and benefits

Experience: 8+ years’ qualified (Solicitor or FCILEx)

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Court of Protection specialist to step into a true leadership role, with the scope to drive growth, lead a team and shape the strategic direction of a well-established department.

Our client is looking to appoint a Solicitor or FCILEx (8+ years’ qualified experience) to join and lead their Court of Protection team in Ashton-under-Lyne. The team is in an exciting period of growth, supported by strong relationships with local referrers. Alongside managing your own caseload (with support from experienced solicitors and paralegals), you will take responsibility for the department’s performance and play a key role in business development and cross-referral across the wider group.

You will lead a team working with clients who often have complex needs and circumstances, meaning Court of Protection matters can overlap with other areas of law. The team also undertakes contested work, so advocacy experience is advantageous. For the right person, there is clear long-term progression, including a route to Partner and the potential to progress to a director-level position within the wider group.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and developing the Court of Protection department, including setting direction and driving growth

• Managing your own Court of Protection caseload, supported by solicitors and paralegals

• Building and maintaining a strong referrer network and raising the team’s external profile

• Working closely with the business development function to generate new opportunities

• Cross-referring work across the wider group and collaborating with colleagues in other practice areas

• Supervising and supporting team members, including coaching, appraisals and identifying training needs

• Taking responsibility for financial performance, including billing, recovery and chargeable time targets

• Ensuring the team works in line with firm policies and all regulatory and compliance requirements

• Handling or supporting on contested work where required (advocacy experience is an advantage)

What We’re Looking For

• Solicitor or FCILEx with 8+ years’ qualified experience

• Strong Court of Protection experience, with confidence managing complex client needs

• Proven experience supervising and managing others (essential)

• Commercial mindset and understanding of how a law firm operates as a business

• Entrepreneurial approach, with the drive to grow a department and develop new work streams

• Strong relationship-building skills with clients, referrers and internal stakeholders

• Comfortable taking ownership of departmental performance and strategic direction

What’s On Offer

• Salary of £70,000 to £95,000 plus bonus and benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

• Loyalty holiday scheme

• Option to purchase additional holiday

• Discretionary annual bonus scheme

• Health and wellbeing benefits (including a healthcare cash plan)

• Death in service cover

• Long-term progression, including a clear route to Partner for the right candidate

Working Arrangements

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Next Steps (How to Apply)

Apply online or send your CV to  lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com  or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.

Childcare Law Solicitor

Location: Ashton-under-Lyme

Career Level: Senior Solicitor 5+ PQE

Salary: £50,000 - £70,000 + Bonus

Are you an experienced childcare law solicitor looking for an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team? Our client, a well-established and highly regarded law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, is seeking a Senior Childcare Law Solicitor at 5+ PQE level to join their expanding Childcare Team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high-quality childcare law matters, conducting your own caseload and undertaking advocacy in care proceedings. You'll be joining a friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team that values collaboration and offers excellent opportunities for career progression.

The Role

As a Childcare Law Solicitor, you will manage your own caseload of childcare law matters, representing local authorities, parents, or children in care proceedings. This role focuses exclusively on childcare law, with no private family law work involved, as that is undertaken by a different team.

The role offers genuine progression opportunities for the right candidate and the chance to work on complex and rewarding childcare matters whilst developing your advocacy skills and expertise in this specialist area.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting your own caseload in childcare law matters from instruction through to conclusion
• Representing clients in care proceedings, including public law children cases
• Undertaking advocacy in the Family Court at all levels
• Advising on care orders, supervision orders, emergency protection orders, and placement orders
• Handling complex childcare matters including non-accidental injury cases and complex family dynamics
• Attending court hearings, case management hearings, and final hearings
• Preparing court bundles, witness statements, and legal submissions
• Liaising with clients, local authorities, children's guardians, and expert witnesses
• Providing clear, practical, and compassionate advice to clients
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the childcare team
• Meeting financial targets and managing matters efficiently
• Contributing to the continued success and development of the childcare practice

About You

Essential Requirements:

• 5+ years' PQE experience in childcare law
• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
• Proven experience running your own caseload in childcare law matters
• Experience undertaking advocacy in the Family Court
• The Law Society's Children Law Panel accreditation
• A Children's Guardian following
• Strong technical knowledge of childcare law, the Children Act 1989, and care proceedings
• Excellent advocacy skills and confidence in court
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously
• Excellent client care skills with a compassionate and sensitive approach
• Strong communication, drafting, and negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight court deadlines
• Commitment to delivering high-quality legal services in this specialist area

Highly Desirable:

• Experience representing multiple client types (local authorities, parents, or children)
• Experience with complex childcare matters including non-accidental injury cases
• Knowledge of adoption law and placement proceedings
• Supervisory or mentoring experience
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment

Key Attributes:

• Experienced and dedicated with a passion for childcare law
• Compassionate and sensitive approach to clients
• Strong work ethic with commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Resilient and able to handle emotionally challenging cases
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Committed to professional development and staying current with legal developments

What's On Offer

Our client is committed to rewarding talent and hard work with a competitive remuneration package and excellent opportunities for career progression.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (market rate, dependent on experience)
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays)
• Loyalty holiday scheme
• Ability to buy additional holidays
• Contributory (auto-enrolment) pension scheme
• Non-contributory death in service scheme
• Paycare scheme
• Good prospects of career progression for the right candidate
• Friendly, welcoming, and hard-working team environment
• Supportive team culture with opportunities for professional development
• Specialist childcare law practice with no private family law work
• Modern, well-equipped offices in Ashton-under-lyme
• Flexible working arrangements available

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, serving clients across the North West and beyond. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including childcare law, family law, employment, property, litigation, and corporate.

The Childcare Team specialises exclusively in childcare law matters, handling care proceedings, supervision orders, emergency protection orders, and placement orders. The team represents local authorities, parents, and children in complex and sensitive care proceedings, providing expert legal advice and advocacy in the Family Court.

The team is friendly, welcoming, and hard-working, with a collaborative culture that values teamwork, professionalism, and compassionate client service. The firm offers excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development for dedicated childcare law practitioners.

Location

This role is based at our client's Ashton-under-Lyme office; with excellent transport links and access to local amenities. The offices offer modern, professional working environments with flexible working arrangements available.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced childcare law solicitor with Children Law Panel accreditation and a Children's Guardian following, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply now or contact lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or 0333 996 2882