Job Description

Description

We have a unique opportunity for an experienced solicitor to join our highly successful and friendly Family Childcare team in our Exeter office. You will play a key role in supporting and providing expert advice to clients on all elements of family childcare law matters and will have proven expertise in handling child arrangements orders, contact disputes, parental responsibility, adoption, emergency orders, childcare proceedings and social services, relocation and child abduction. You will also be involved in all things business development whilst having the support of a dedicated and efficient team.

In addition to your childcare legal expertise, we are looking for a team player who values every member of the team and wider firm and their contribution to the success of Porter Dodson. We have a unique offering at PD where we have the benefit of being a larger firm but pride ourselves on having maintained the flexibility, collaborative nature and welcoming environment of a smaller firm.

Key Responsibilities

Role responsibilities and experience to include but not limited to:

Manage a caseload of childcare matters, including care proceedings, pre-proceedings (PLO), adoption and private law applications Attend and represent clients in court and tribunals, conducting advocacy where required Provide specialist and strategic legal advice to clients, such as local authorities on child protection matters, policy and procedures Handle all aspects of care proceedings, from initial applications to final court judgements Advise and represent clients on issues of contact with children in care and on adoption proceedings Advise on the processes and issues surrounding children becoming or ceasing to be looked after Advise on all aspects of private law proceedings to include arrangements as to where children should live, spending time with arrangements and special guardianship applications Build and maintain strong client relationships Qualification as a practicing solicitor, or fellow of CILEX (with advocacy certificate).

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Joining our reputable family childcare department, this role would best suit someone who is pro-active, and enthusiastic, with exceptional interpersonal skills and significant experience practicing family law in complex childcare matters. The ideal candidate will be an advocate and have local professional connections and a growth mindset which aligns with the Exeter office plans to continue to grow our footprint in the area.

Porter Dodson can offer a tailored approach to your career path where you can really make it your own. This role is an excellent platform for you to continue to build on your success in an environment where your expertise is valued.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, you will also get:

Flexible Working 30 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays Extra Day of Holiday for your Birthday Private Healthcare Pension Scheme(s) Life Assurance Eye Tests Flu Jabs Corporate Gym Membership Discounts Legal Support Opportunities to get involved with charity fundraising, sports teams and office socials

About Porter Dodson

Porter Dodson is an award-winning Top 200 UK Law Firm, providing commercial and private legal services to individuals and businesses across Somerset, Devon and Dorset.



We're proud of a regional presence that gives clients the local connections and friendly in-person service they love. Being embedded in our local communities and market sectors gives our clients a superb service grounded in the real world.



What makes Porter Dodson a great place to work is our people and our culture. Our team are the lifeblood of the firm, and we are fully committed to ensuring our team are motivated, well cared for, and fulfilling their potential at work. Our people are our priority, which is why we have such excellent staff retention rates and how we have sustained a gold accreditation from Investors in People since 2016.