Head of Children Panel – Leeds

Legal 500 Firm | Leadership Role | Build and Shape Your Own Team

Location: Leeds / Hybrid
Salary: Up to £90k + excellent benefits + bonus
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Firm

Our client is a respected Legal 500 firm with a strong national reputation for excellence in family and childcare law. Following sustained growth and client demand, the firm is expanding its Yorkshire presence and establishing a new office in Leeds.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior Children Panel Solicitor to take a leadership role, spearheading the development of a new, high-performing team and shaping the department’s strategic direction in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

The Role

As Head of Children Panel, you will:

• Lead and grow the Children Law team within the Leeds office.
• Take ownership of your own high-quality caseload of care proceedings, public law children matters, and private law disputes.
• Recruit, mentor and develop junior solicitors and support staff.
• Work closely with the firm’s senior leadership team to build client relationships, drive business development, and expand the firm’s regional footprint.
• Ensure compliance with all SRA and Legal Aid Agency requirements, while maintaining the firm’s exceptional client care standards.

About You

You will be a dynamic, ambitious and strategic Children Panel Solicitor with:

• Membership of the Law Society’s Children Panel (essential)
• A minimum of 5+ years PQE in public and private children matters
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience (formal or informal)
• A genuine passion for client advocacy and team development
• Drive to grow and shape a new department in line with the firm’s vision

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to build your own team and shape the Leeds office’s future
• Competitive salary and bonus structure
• Hybrid and flexible working options
• Full administrative and marketing support from the wider firm
• Pathway to partnership for the right candidate

How to Apply

If you’re a motivated Children Panel Solicitor ready to take the next step into leadership and play a pivotal role in a growing Legal 500 practice, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your CV in confidence to lawrence@blackwhiterec.com or apply directly via our careers portal.