Children Law Solicitor – Manchester

About the role

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is seeking three experienced Children Law Solicitors to join its highly regarded Child Care Department in Manchester. You will work within a nationally recognised team that advises and represents children, parents and families on a wide range of matters including adoption, custody, surrogacy and international child abduction.

Key responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice to guardians, birth parents, adoptive parents and same‑sex couples on child care matters.
• Represent clients in family courts, tribunals and mediation sessions.
• Draft and negotiate court orders, consent agreements and adoption paperwork.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals and external agencies to safeguard children’s interests.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of legislation, case law and best practice in family and child law.

Required profile

• Qualified solicitor regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority.
• Significant experience in child care, family or adoption law.
• Member of the Law Society Children and Family Panel and, preferably, the Association for Lawyers for Children or Resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high‑profile cases with sensitivity.

Required skills

• Strong advocacy and courtroom presentation skills.
• Excellent case management and client liaison abilities.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK child law, adoption procedures and international abduction protocols.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

What we offer

• Competitive salary range of £40,000‑£52,000 per annum.
• Hybrid working model supporting work‑life balance.
• Professional development through Investors in People Gold Standard and Lexcel accreditation.
• Access to a paperless, technology‑enabled environment and a supportive firm culture.