Solicitor

Child Care Solicitor (Public Law)

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• Location: Bristol / Hybrid
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• Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
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• Salary: Competitive, dependent upon experience
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• Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
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• Start Date: As soon as possible
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Our client, a long-established law firm in Bristol, is seeking a motivated and experienced Child Care Solicitor to join their expanding Family Department. This role is ideal for a solicitor with 3–5 years of post-qualification experience in public law children work, looking to further their career within a well-respected Legal Aid practice.

Day-to-day of the role:

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• Manage a caseload of public law children matters, including care proceedings under Section 31 of the Children Act 1989 and associated public law applications.
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• Represent parents and other family members in care proceedings, interim care orders, emergency protection orders, and related applications.
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• Conduct advocacy where appropriate, and work closely with counsel on more complex matters.
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• Prepare legal aid applications and ensure ongoing compliance with funding requirements.
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• Draft legal documents such as statements, threshold responses, and position statements.
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• Provide clear, practical, and compassionate advice to vulnerable clients throughout proceedings.
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• Attend case management hearings, final hearings, and conferences with counsel.
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• Contribute to the growth and development of the Family Department through active participation in marketing and networking.
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Required Skills & Qualifications:

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• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales, with 3–5 years' PQE in public law children work - would consider NQ solicitor with relevant experience
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• Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Public Law Outline, and Family Procedure Rules.
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• Experience managing your own caseload in public law children matters.
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• Excellent drafting, advocacy preparation, and client care skills.
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• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
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• Strong organisational and file management abilities.
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• Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with case management systems.
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Benefits:

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• Competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
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• Flexible and hybrid working options available post-probation
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This position offers a rewarding opportunity to handle a high-quality public law caseload within a supportive and dynamic setting. If you are looking to make a significant impact within a growing Legal Aid practice, we would love to hear from you.

To apply for the Child Care Solicitor position, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining their team.