Senior Solicitor | Highly regarded, leading Legal 500 practice
Care Department | Reading 

Join a respected and forward-thinking Legal 500 practice as a Senior Solicitor within the Child Care team. This is an excellent opportunity to step into a key leadership role, with a clear path to taking over the lead of the very busy Care Department in Reading while developing the offering within the Staines office. You will play a central role in delivering high-quality representation, progressing strategic growth, and championing access to justice for children and families.

This position is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, with hybrid working available following an initial settling-in period. Salary is competitive and dependent on experience and billing track record, with an additional bonus scheme.
The Role You will handle a broad and varied caseload of Child Care matters, representing guardians, children, parents, grandparents, and extended family members. You will contribute to the ongoing development of both teams, support and supervise junior lawyers, and build strong client and professional relationships across the region.

Key responsibilities include

• Managing all aspects of Child Care work across public law proceedings
• Undertaking advocacy where possible
• Leading, supervising and developing solicitors and paralegals within both offices
• Providing technical guidance, training, and day-to-day support
• Driving departmental development and generating new work
• Maintaining exceptional standards of compliance and legal aid case management
• Working closely with firm leadership to shape strategy and achieve performance goals

About You
You will be an experienced Child Care solicitor with strong leadership skills and a commitment to delivering outstanding client care.

Essential requirements

• Child Panel Membership
• Proven experience managing complex care proceedings
• Strong advocacy abilities
• Demonstrable experience supervising and supporting junior colleagues
• Strong knowledge of publicly funded Child Care work and Legal Aid requirements

Skills and competencies

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport
• Confident IT skills and familiarity with case management systems
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach
• Ability to build and maintain effective long-term relationships with clients, colleagues and referrers

Personal attributes

• Friendly, confident and self-motivated
• Professional, approachable, and collaborative
• Passionate about supporting clients with empathy and understanding

Culture You will be joining a friendly, supportive firm that values integrity, teamwork, and professional development. The practice is committed to high-quality work, progression opportunities, and maintaining a positive, inclusive working environment.

Get in touch!

07932465567
leon.sokell@qedlegal.com