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LR Legal Recruitment

Senior Child Care Solicitor

Reading
£60k – £80k/yr
Posted about 16 hours ago
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Senior Childcare Solicitor 5 years PQE +/ Partner (Child Panel Accredited ideal)

Berkshire | Hybrid Working | Up to £80,000 + Bonus + Genuine Partnership Prospects

Are you an experienced Childcare Solicitor looking for the next step in your career? Whether you're an established Senior Solicitor ready to lead a department or an ambitious Child Panel Accredited lawyer seeking a clear route to Partnership, this is an outstanding opportunity with a respected and progressive Berkshire firm.

This is a rare succession opportunity, created by the planned retirement of the firm's long-standing Head of Childcare. The successful candidate will have the chance to take over a well-established and highly regarded department, working on a broad range of public law children matters while playing a pivotal role in shaping the team's future. With genuine leadership responsibility and clear Partnership prospects, this role offers an exceptional platform for someone looking to make a lasting impact.

The Role

  • Manage a varied caseload of complex public law childcare matters, including Care Proceedings and PLO meetings.
  • Represent parents, children and guardians, with opportunities to expand guardian work.
  • Conduct advocacy and attend courts across Berkshire.
  • Supervise and develop junior lawyers and support staff.
  • Contribute to business development and the continued growth of the department.
  • Work within Legal Aid requirements, including CCMS, ensuring high standards of client care and compliance.

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.

P

Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

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Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

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Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

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Only hits

No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.

About You

  • Child Panel Accreditation is essential (or already eligible to rejoin if recently lapsed).
  • Around 5+ years' PQE (Solicitors or CILEX considered).
  • Strong experience in public law childcare work and Legal Aid.
  • Confident advocate with excellent client care skills.
  • Passionate about supporting vulnerable clients and committed to achieving the best outcomes.
  • A collaborative team player with leadership ambitions.

What's on Offer

  • Salary up to £80,000 depending on experience.
  • Attractive bonus scheme.
  • Genuine Partnership opportunity.
  • Hybrid working following probation.
  • Employer pension contribution and death-in-service benefit.
  • Birthday leave, regular firm social events and ongoing training.
  • A supportive, forward-thinking culture with excellent long-term career prospects.

Get help with your application

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Get help applying for this job

If you're looking for a firm where you can genuinely influence the future of a successful Child Care department while progressing your own career, we'd love to hear from you.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity or other opportunities in the market, then contact Alison Banks at alison@lrlegal.co.uk or call for a confidential discussion on 020 8464 2506 (office hours) or 07979952201 (out of office hours).

LR Legal is a specialist legal recruitment agency with a reputation based on trust and integrity. We will always ask your permission before sending your CV to any of our clients.

The PQE identified on this advertisement is a guide only and does not preclude applications from those with more or less PQE.

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Skills

Public Law Childcare
Care Proceedings
PLO Meetings
Advocacy
Client Care
Legal Aid
CCMS
Leadership
Business Development
Supervision
Case Management

Location

Reading, England, United Kingdom

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