Childcare Solicitor (Head of Department)

Head of Childcare Shropshire National Law Firm Leadership Opportunity

Ready to take the lead and build something of your own?

A leading national law firm is looking for an ambitious and experienced Head of Childcare to join its Shropshire team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an established Childcare lawyer who is looking for more than just a traditional fee-earning role. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of the Childcare offering, shape its future and build a team around you.

The Opportunity

You will play a key role in developing and growing the firm's Childcare practice in Shropshire, with genuine scope to make your mark.

Your responsibilities will include:

Leading and developing the Childcare practice
Building and growing a high-performing team
Recruiting and mentoring junior and senior lawyers
Managing a varied and high-quality caseload of childcare matters
Advising parents, children, local authorities and other professionals
Handling complex care proceedings and associated family matters
Developing strong relationships with existing clients and professional contacts
Identifying and pursuing opportunities for growth
Working closely with the wider Family team and other departments across the firm
Contributing to the strategic direction and future development of the practice

This is an opportunity for someone with entrepreneurial drive who enjoys developing people, winning work and building a successful department.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Childcare Solicitor who is ready to take the next step in their career and lead from the front.

You will ideally have:

Significant experience in Childcare law
A strong understanding of public and/or private children matters
Experience handling complex care proceedings
Excellent technical and advocacy skills
The ability to manage and develop client relationships
Proven leadership or management experience, or the ambition and ability to step into a leadership position
A genuine interest in building and developing a team
Strong business development skills and a commercial approach
The confidence to develop a new or growing practice area

Panel membership/Children Law Accreditation would be highly advantageous.

Why This Role?

This is not simply a role where you inherit an established department and maintain the status quo.

You will have the opportunity to build it.

The firm is looking for someone with the vision, energy and ambition to grow the Childcare practice, recruit talented lawyers and establish a strong presence across the Shropshire market.

You will have the backing and infrastructure of a national law firm, together with the autonomy to influence the direction of the department and make a real impact.

What's on Offer?
Competitive salary and benefits package
Genuine leadership opportunity
Scope to build and shape the Childcare team
Excellent career progression
National firm infrastructure and support
High-quality and varied work
Strong opportunities for business development
Supportive and collaborative working environment
Hybrid/flexible working arrangements

If you're an experienced Childcare lawyer who wants the opportunity to build a team, develop a practice and make your mark within a national law firm, this could be the perfect next step.

Apply now for a confidential discussion.