Senior Childrens Lawyer

Job Title: Senior Children Law Solicitor - Leeds

Department: Family / Divorce & Children Law

Location: Leeds

Level: Senior (7+ years PQE)

Role Overview

An experienced Private Law Children Solicitor is required to take on a senior leadership role within a Family Department, specialising in complex children matters. The role involves leading the Children's team in Leeds, acting as a senior figure within the department, and contributing to the strategic growth and development of the practice area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Children's team, providing direction and acting as a senior point of expertise
• Supervise, mentor, and support solicitors, trainees, paralegals, and support staff
• Ensure effective delegation, workload management, and quality control across matters
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and development support

Casework

• Manage a caseload of complex private law children matters independently
• Provide strategic oversight on high-value and sensitive cases
• Ensure appropriate risk management and case progression throughout

Business Development

• Drive and support business development initiatives within the team
• Build and maintain strong client and professional referral relationships
• Identify opportunities for growth and contribute to the expansion of the practice area
• Support marketing and networking activities

Financial & Operational Management

• Monitor billing, lock-up, and debt management within the team
• Oversee work allocation and ensure efficient utilisation of resources
• Contribute to and support delivery of departmental strategy and financial targets
• Balance chargeable and non-chargeable commitments effectively

Compliance & Risk

• Oversee high-risk matters within the team and ensure appropriate escalation where necessary
• Promote strong ethical standards and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Liaise with compliance teams on complaints, claims, or risk issues

Key Skills & Experience

• Minimum 7 years PQE in Private Law Children matters
• Strong technical expertise in complex family law cases
• Proven leadership and team management experience
• Excellent communication and client care skills, particularly in sensitive matters
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of financial and operational performance

Personal Attributes

• Professional, empathetic, and client-focused approach
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate others
• Collaborative team player with a proactive mindset
• High level of integrity and commitment to quality service delivery
• Calm and resilient when managing complex and sensitive cases