Head of Department: Childcare
Location: Flexible (with travel as required)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
The Opportunity
We are seeking an accomplished Head of Department: Childcare to lead a highly respected and growing practice. This senior appointment offers the chance to shape the future of the childcare department, building on an established reputation while driving innovation and growth.
The successful candidate can be a Childcare Solicitor or a Family Solicitor with relevant experience in childcare law. They will bring both technical expertise and strong leadership skills, overseeing complex and sensitive matters involving children and families, while ensuring clients receive outstanding advice and representation during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership of the Childcare department, setting and delivering long-term goals.
* Oversee a diverse caseload of childcare and family-related matters, including care proceedings, child protection, adoption, and safeguarding.
* Act as a trusted advisor to parents, guardians, and local authorities, delivering clear, compassionate, and effective legal solutions.
* Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including SRA and Legal Aid Agency standards.
* Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
* Drive innovation in client care and service delivery, embedding best practice across the department.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including courts, social services, and other agencies.
* Work closely with senior leadership to align departmental performance with wider organisational strategy.
About You
* Qualified solicitor with significant experience in childcare law or a strong background in family law with exposure to childcare matters.
* Demonstrable leadership skills with experience managing or developing teams.
* Strong advocacy and case management skills, with a proven ability to handle complex and sensitive cases.
* A clear communicator with empathy, resilience, and the ability to support clients through challenging situations.
* Commercial awareness with the ability to deliver both excellent client outcomes and departmental growth.
* Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and high professional standards.
Why This Role?
* Lead a nationally recognised department with full strategic and operational responsibility.
* Play a pivotal role in developing future talent and shaping the practice’s approach to childcare and family law.
* Be part of a supportive, collaborative culture that values people and professional development.
* Competitive salary and benefits package, reflective of seniority.
This appointment is being managed exclusively by Harkaye Core Talent.
If you are a childcare specialist or a family solicitor looking to step into a departmental leadership role, we would love to hear from you.