Job Summary
AmicusLaw Solicitors is a friendly Dorset, Somerset and Devon-based Law Firm. We are an experienced, specialist team of tenacious, yet friendly lawyers. Passionate about representing our clients’ interests, with offices in Bridgwater, Minehead, Wellington, Yeovil, Martock, Exeter, Taunton ,Ilminster, Weymouth and Tiverton.
We are seeking a dedicated Child Law Lawyer to join our legal team specialising in family and child welfare cases, in either our Taunton Office or Exeter Office. The successful candidate will provide expert legal advice, representation, and support to clients involved in child-related legal matters. This role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families while working within a professional and supportive environment. The position is paid and suitable for qualified lawyers with a passion for child advocacy.
Duties
- Act for parents, guardians and children, in public law matters, including care and supervision orders, emergency protection orders, and adoption cases.
- Handle legally aided cases, ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) guidelines and managing the legal aid certification process.
- Provide sensitive and clear advice to vulnerable clients, often in highly stressful situations. Represent clients at pre-proceedings meetings and during court appearances.
- Conduct advocacy in the Family Court and liaise with Counsel when necessary, ensuring that clients’ voices are represented during proceedings.
- Draft and prepare legal documentation, including statements, care plans, and other court-required reports. Manage the disclosure process and instruct experts as necessary.
- Work closely with local authorities, Children’s Guardians, social services, and other agencies involved in child protection cases.
- Attend court hearings, case management conferences, and directions hearings, providing expert legal representation and advocacy.
- Accurately record all work done on a matter using case management software and maintain organised, up-to-date files to comply with both internal and external regulations.
- Ensure all cases comply with statutory obligations, LAA requirements, and risk management guidelines. Keep updated on changes in child care law and Legal Aid regulations.
- Engage in dispute resolution processes where appropriate, including settlement negotiations and mediation services to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Skills and Qualifications
- Must be a qualified solicitor, or chartered legal executive with a current practicing certificate and at 2 years’ post-qualification experience in public family law or care proceedings.
- In-depth knowledge of the Children Act 1989, public law care proceedings, and child protection issues.
- Experience working on legally aided cases, with a thorough understanding of Legal Aid Agency procedures, funding, and compliance.
- Confidence in conducting advocacy in the Family Court, with the ability to represent clients in complex and emotionally charged proceedings.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide empathetic, non-judgmental advice to vulnerable clients.
- Ability to manage a busy caseload and meet strict court deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively advise clients, draft legal documents, and correspond with authorities.
- Able to work collaboratively within a team, supporting colleagues and junior staff where needed, and contributing to a positive working environment.
Qualifications
- Possession of Law Society Children Law Accreditation (Children Panel)
- Experience acting on behalf of children’s guardians or representing children in public law proceedings.
- Advanced advocacy experience in complex care cases.
- Experience in mediation or collaborative law, particularly in child protection matters.
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person