Solicitor

Child Care Solicitor (Public Law)

• Location: Bristol / Hybrid
• Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
• Salary: Competitive, dependent upon experience
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
• Start Date: As soon as possible

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:

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

Required Skills & Qualifications:

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

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Flexible and hybrid working options available post-probation

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.