Childcare Associate/Senior Associate

• Join a respected Legal 500 Children team with realistic caseloads and the opportunity to build your own Guardian following
• Clear progression from Associate to Senior Associate and onwards to Salaried Partner
• Salary up to £65,000, hybrid working and an outstanding benefits package including private medical cover and firm-wide bonus

If you’re an experienced Children Solicitor looking for quality work without an unmanageable caseload, this is an opportunity to join a highly regarded team where you can build a genuine long-term career.

You’ll inherit an existing caseload while having the opportunity to develop your own practice and Guardian following. Over time, you’ll become an established senior member of a close-knit team, handling a broad range of public and private children matters while benefiting from strong paralegal support.

The firm has a relaxed, approachable culture built around community, excellence, integrity and treating people well. Targets are realistic, colleagues collaborate rather than compete, and there’s a genuine focus on giving lawyers the space to deliver excellent client service.

There’s also a particularly clear progression framework. Depending on your experience, you could join directly at Associate or Senior Associate level, with Salaried Partnership offering the next step for those who want it. With succession planning underway within the department, it’s an excellent time to join and establish yourself as a key member of the team.

Who we’re looking for

• Children Solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE
• Current Children Panel membership
• Strong understanding of the Legal Aid framework and LAA requirements
• Experience managing your own Child Care caseload
• Excellent advocacy skills and confidence attending court
• Strong communication, case management and client care skills
• Proactive and commercially aware approach
• Collaborative personality and willingness to support colleagues
• Existing Guardian following (Desired)
• Candidates operating at Salaried Partner level will also be considered (Desired)

What you’ll be doing

• Managing cases involving Care Proceedings, Adoption and Child Arrangement Orders
• Advising on Parental Responsibility, Special Guardianship and unlawful removal or abduction matters
• Undertaking advocacy and attending court
• Managing files in accordance with Legal Aid Agency requirements
• Monitoring court timetables, funding limits and case costs
• Briefing Counsel where required
• Acting as agent for other solicitors and local authorities
• Building relationships with Guardians and developing your professional profile
• Working closely with fellow Solicitors, Associates and paralegals across the wider team
• Maintaining high standards of client care, billing and file management

Salary & Benefits

• Annual firm-wide bonus scheme
• Hybrid working with up to two days from home
• Flexible working hours and alternative working patterns
• Paid parking
• Private medical insurance
• Additional Christmas closure days
• Holiday sell-back scheme
• Salary sacrifice pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Employee referral incentives
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Mental health first aiders and wider wellbeing support
• Regular socials, employee events and community initiatives
• Four-day working considered

This is a strong opportunity for a Children Panel Solicitor who wants to combine excellent quality work with realistic expectations, genuine flexibility and a transparent route towards senior leadership.

Contact Lucy Wickham

📩 lucy.wickham@realmrecruit.com
📞 03300 245 606