Job Description
Supervising Solicitor – Children Department
Watford, Herts. £40.000 - £70,000
Job Purpose
As a Supervising Solicitor in our Children Department, you will play a key leadership role within a passionate and forward-thinking legal team dedicated to supporting families and protecting children’s welfare. This is a dynamic and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You will manage a varied caseload of both private and publicly funded children matters, while providing supervision, guidance, and support to junior lawyers and paralegals within the team.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of the department, maintain high standards of legal practice, and ensure compliance with Legal Aid Agency and regulatory requirements. You will work closely with the Department Director & Head to ensure the delivery of excellent client service while fostering a supportive and collaborative team environment.
Key Responsibilities
Client Work & Case Management
* Reporting directly to the Director & Head of Department
* Managing a complex caseload of Children matters, including private children cases and domestic abuse
* Providing strategic oversight and guidance on complex matters
* Undertaking advocacy where appropriate and representing clients in court
* Attending client conferences and hearings, taking detailed instructions, and advising on case strategy
* Drafting and supervising the preparation of legal documents, including C100s, C1As, witness statements, and practice direction documents
* Supervising court bundle preparation and instructions to counsel
* Overseeing Legal Aid applications, amendments, and billing through CCMS
* Conducting legal research to support case strategy
* Ensuring accurate time recording, billing, and file management
* Implementing recommendations from file reviews and audits
* Delivering high-quality client care in line with the firm’s values of empathy, equality, and professionalism
Supervision & Team Leadership
* Providing formal supervision to solicitors, trainees, and paralegals in line with Legal Aid Agency requirements
* Supporting junior team members in developing advocacy, case management, and client care skills
* Delegating tasks and monitoring progress to ensure quality standards
* Conducting regular file reviews and providing constructive feedback
* Assisting with training, mentoring, and professional development within the department
* Contributing to the development of departmental procedures and best practice
* Encouraging a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive team culture
Professional Development & Compliance
* Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of Family Law, Children Act, and relevant case law
* Ensuring compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct, Legal Aid Agency requirements, and firm policies
* Contributing to internal training, knowledge sharing, and quality assurance processes
Person Specification
* Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
* Significant experience in Children Law, including private children matters and domestic abuse
* Experience managing Legal Aid-funded cases
* Ability to meet Legal Aid Agency supervisory requirements (or working towards them)
* Strong working knowledge of CCMS
* Experience supervising or mentoring junior legal staff
Skills & Competencies
* Strong leadership and supervision skills
* Excellent organisational and case management ability
* Ability to manage complex and sensitive cases involving vulnerable clients
* Strong advocacy, client care, and communication skills
* Ability to work calmly under pressure
* Attention to detail and ability to balance caseload with supervisory responsibilities