The role will involve advocacy where appropriate, alongside instructing and working closely with counsel in more complex matters.

You will regularly represent vulnerable clients and will be expected to provide clear, practical and compassionate advice throughout proceedings.

The Opportunity

This role provides the opportunity to manage a high-quality public law caseload within a busy Legal Aid practice whilst benefiting from excellent administrative and paralegal support.

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct their own caseload of public law children matters.
• Represent parents and family members throughout care proceedings.
• Attend Case Management Hearings, IRHs, Final Hearings and conferences with counsel.
• Prepare Legal Aid applications and ongoing funding requirements.
• Draft statements, threshold responses and position statements.
• Advise clients throughout Public Law Outline (PLO) pre-proceedings.
• Work collaboratively with Counsel, CAFCASS, Local Authorities, experts and other professionals.
• Assist with supervision and mentoring of junior staff where appropriate.
• Contribute towards the continued growth and development of the Family Department.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Managing a varied caseload of publicly funded child care matters.
• Conducting cases from initial instruction through to final hearing.
• Advising clients on all aspects of public law children proceedings.
• Preparing applications, witness statements, care plans and court documentation.
• Attending court hearings, conferences and client meetings.
• Instructing counsel and experts where appropriate.
• Preparing Legal Aid applications and ensuring ongoing compliance with LAA requirements.
• Maintaining accurate attendance notes and file management standards.
• Ensuring compliance with SRA Standards, SQM requirements and internal procedures.
• Developing strong relationships with clients whilst delivering exceptional client care.
• Supporting junior members of the department where required.
• Assisting with business development and networking opportunities.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed solicitor who has developed solid experience within public law children work and is looking to build a long-term career within a growing Legal Aid practice.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent legal knowledge, sound judgement and the ability to manage emotionally demanding cases with professionalism and empathy.

They should be confident working independently whilst also enjoying being part of a close-knit and supportive team.

Essential Skills / Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
• Newly Qualified 3–5 years' PQE in public law children work (applications from candidates with slightly more or less experience will also be considered).
• Experience managing your own public law children caseload.
• Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Public Law Outline and Family Procedure Rules.
• Experience advising clients throughout care proceedings.
• Excellent drafting and advocacy preparation skills.
• Strong organisational and file management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and client care skills.
• A compassionate and professional approach when dealing with vulnerable clients.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and case management systems (LEAP experience advantageous).

Preferred (but not essential)

• Children Panel Accreditation (or working towards accreditation).
• Higher Rights of Audience.
• Advocacy experience in Family Proceedings Court.
• Experience supervising junior fee earners or paralegals.
• Experience undertaking advocacy in interim hearings.
• Full UK driving licence.

Why Join Us?

• Join a respected and long-established Bristol Legal Aid practice.
• Manage a varied and rewarding public law children caseload.
• Work alongside highly experienced family solicitors.
• Benefit from excellent administrative and paralegal support.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression and future leadership.
• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Supportive working environment with hybrid working available.
• Ongoing CPD and professional development.

Progression

Daniel Woodman & Co. Limited is committed to investing in its people. The successful candidate will have genuine opportunities to progress within the Family Department, including future supervisory responsibilities, Children Panel accreditation support (where appropriate), and leadership opportunities as the department continues to expand.

How to Apply

If you are looking to take the next step in your Family Law career and would like to join a respected Bristol firm with an established reputation in public law children work, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please send your CV and covering letter to:

Mr Ben Fews
Practice Manager
Daniel Woodman & Co. Limited
Ben.Fews@danielwoodman.co.uk