The Role
Forbes Solicitors are seeking a Childcare Solicitor to join our Public Family team. This opportunity allows you to work in a supportive environment while handling a mix of Public Law Family matters, including care proceedings, child protection and special guardianships.
Location: Northgate Office, Blackburn
Hours: Full-time, 36.25 hours per week
Key Responsibilities
* Deal with a mix of Public Law Family matters and attend a wide range of family court hearings.
* Provide clear written and verbal legal advice, and manage communications with clients, opponents, courts/tribunals and third parties to progress files.
* Support the wider Family team by assisting colleagues on cases, contributing to departmental objectives, and collaborating across departments on joint matters and projects.
* Supervise, manage, and develop paralegals through training, coaching, mentoring, and effective delegation to support their professional growth.
* Ensure compliance with internal and external business requirements.
* Contribute to continuous improvement and the development of the departmental business plan.
* Build strong client and stakeholder relationships, enhancing the firm’s profile, and supporting business development.
About You
We are looking for people that can demonstrate the following:
Essential
* Be a qualified Solicitor/Legal Executive (or equivalent), ideally 2 years PQE.
* Experience of working with childcare matters and court proceedings.
* Experience with CCMS and processing own applications.
* Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
* Experience managing a busy caseload and meeting deadlines while achieving fee targets and contributing effectively within a team.
* Aligns with the firm’s values and is committed to long-term development and progression within the department.
Desirable
* Experience in own advocacy.
Benefits
* 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
* Annual leave purchase scheme (subject to T&Cs).
* Enhanced family‑friendly policies and pay for maternity, paternity and adoption.
* Enhanced sick pay.
* Celebration and volunteer leave.
* Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities.
* Profit share scheme.
* Additional long service awards.
* Subsidised tuck shops.
* Staff discount on firm services.
* Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and mental health counselling services).
* BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependents).
* Retail and gym membership discounts.
* Recruitment and legal department referrals (subject to T&Cs).
* Annual Events.
Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability‑confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community.
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