Talent Flow Partners is pleased to be working with a respected law firm as we recruit for a Regional Director for Child Care to join their team in either Manchester or Blackburn. This is a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated solicitor looking to make a real difference in children’s law.
Overall Purpose of the Role
The Regional Director for Child Care will be responsible for leading a team of childcare solicitors and
support staff providing strategic direction, overseeing casework, and ensuring legal excellence in the
field of childcare law. The role involves managing a diverse caseload, mentoring junior solicitors,
representing clients in complex legal matters, and maintaining strong relationships with key
stakeholders, including local authorities, courts, and clients.
• Departmental Leadership:
o Lead and manage the Child Care Department, overseeing all aspects of childcare law
practice within the firm.
o Develop and implement strategic plans to grow the department, ensuring alignment
with the firm’s broader objectives.
o Act as a key point of contact for the firm’s clients, providing expert legal advice and
representation.
o Ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal obligations, maintaining the highest
standards of professional ethics.
o Draft, maintain and update regional business plans and be involved in budget setting
for the region in consultation with the Managing Director.
o Oversee good financial performance across the region and in accordance with targets
and to proactively manage all aspects of financial performance across the region.
o Collaboration across other teams, other departments, and the wider Firm to achieve
common goals.
• Case Management & Legal Practice:
o Oversee and handle a complex caseload of childcare matters, including public law
cases (care proceedings, emergency protection orders, and adoption) and private law
(child arrangement orders, guardianship).
o Advise clients on childcare and family law matters, offering legal solutions tailored to
the needs of the child and the family.
o Attend court hearings, tribunals, and other legal proceedings, ensuring effective
advocacy and representation.
o Keep up-to-date with changes in child care law and implement best practices within
the department.
• Team Management & Development:
o Mentor, guide, and supervise a team of solicitors and legal staff, promoting a culture
of continuous learning and professional development.
o Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to team members to
ensure high standards of legal service delivery.
o Recruit and train new staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive working
environment.
o Encourage the sharing of knowledge and skills within the department, leading internal
training sessions when necessary.
• Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management:
o Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local authorities, social services,
and other key stakeholders.
o Ensure client satisfaction by delivering a high standard of client care, managing
expectations, and maintaining excellent communication throughout the legal process.
o Act as a trusted advisor to clients, guiding them through sensitive and complex issues
with empathy and professionalism.
• Compliance & Risk Management:
o Ensure the department operates in line with relevant regulatory frameworks and
professional standards, including those set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
(SRA).
o Manage risk effectively within the department, ensuring compliance with internal
policies and procedures.
o Conduct regular audits of casework and ensure compliance with safeguarding
policies.
• Business Development:
o Identify new business opportunities, helping to grow the childcare law department.
o Build the department's profile through networking, attending relevant industry events,
and contributing to thought leadership in childcare law.
o Assist with marketing initiatives, contributing to blogs, articles, and client briefings to
enhance the firm's reputation in the childcare sector.
Job challenges:
The need to be
• Be self-motivated
• Be able to work to targets and deadlines
• Having the ability to work with others- internal and external
• Able to operate under own initiative
Required Skills and Qualifications:
• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales with a minimum of 10 years PQE in childcare law.
• Membership of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation (Child Panel).
• Prior experience working with or for local authorities on child protection matters.
• Strong links with key childcare-related organisations and professionals.
• Proven experience in managing and leading a team of solicitors within a legal firm or similar
setting.
• Strong experience in public law children cases, including care proceedings, child protection,
and private law family matters.
• Expertise in advocacy and representing clients in court, tribunals, and other hearings.
• Strong understanding of childcare and family law legislation and procedures, with the ability to
apply these in complex cases.• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong
client relationships.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior solicitors and legal staff.
• Strong leadership skills with a strategic mindset and ability to contribute to the firm’s growth.
• Demonstrated business development acumen, with experience in identifying new
opportunities and growing a legal practice.
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders, showing empathy
and professionalism at all times.
Package
• Salary £??? - £??? per annum (depending on experience and qualifications)
• 26 days annual leave + Birthday Holiday + Bank Holidays
• Company Pension
• Medicash Heath Plan
• Flexible Working hours/ Working from home available
• Rewarded for efforts with a healthy bonus.
• Encouragement of internal progression
• Encourage internal and external training.