Overview
Family Childcare Associate - Senior Associate
Department: Family
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Yeovil
Description
We have a unique opportunity for an Associate up to Senior Associate Solicitor to join our highly successful and friendly Family Childcare team in our Yeovil office. You will play a key role in supporting and providing expert advice to clients on all elements of family childcare law matters and will have proven expertise in handling child arrangements orders, contact disputes, parental responsibility, adoption, emergency orders, childcare proceedings and social services, relocation and child abduction. This role offers the opportunity for significant progression and the support to do so effectively.
In addition to your family law expertise, we are looking for a team player who values every member of the team and wider firm and their contribution to the success of Porter Dodson. We have a unique offering at PD where we have the benefit of being a larger firm but pride ourselves on having maintained the flexibility, collaborative nature and welcoming environment of a smaller firm.
Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload of childcare matters, including care proceedings, pre-proceedings (PLO), adoption and private law applications
* Attend and represent clients in court and tribunals, conducting advocacy where required
* Provide specialist and strategic legal advice to clients, such as local authorities on child protection matters, policy and procedures
* Handle all aspects of care proceedings, from initial applications to final court judgements
* Advise and represent clients on issues of contact with children in care and on adoption proceedings
* Advise on the processes and issues surrounding children becoming or ceasing to be looked after
* Advise on all aspects of private law proceedings to include arrangements as to where children should live, spending time with arrangements, Special Guardianship applications
* Build and maintain strong client relationships
* Qualification as a practicing solicitor, or fellow of CILEX (with advocacy certificate).
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Joining our reputable family department, this role would best suit someone who is pro-active, and enthusiastic, with exceptional interpersonal skills with experience dealing with public child law matters, a member of the Law Societys Children Panel, an experienced advocate with higher rights of audience.
Porter Dodson can offer a tailored approach to your career path where you can really make it your own. This role is an excellent platform for you to continue to build on your success in an environment where your expertise is valued where there is a clear path for progression.
Benefits
* Flexible Working
* 30 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays
* Extra Day of Holiday for your Birthday
* Private Healthcare
* Pension Scheme(s)
* Life Assurance
* Eye Tests
* Flu Jabs
* Corporate Gym Membership Discounts
* Legal Support
* Opportunities to get involved with charity fundraising, sports teams and office socials
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