Bindmans is an award-winning multidisciplinary law firm with an exceptional reputation for delivering specialist legal services to individuals, NGOs, businesses and public figures. Consistently recognised by the legal directories as a leading firm, we are known for combining exceptional legal expertise with a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
Our Family team has a strong reputation for handling complex and high-profile international family cases. We act for parents and children in urgent and challenging cross-border disputes, combining technical excellence with a client-focused and strategic approach.
We are recognised for our work in international child abduction, international child contact, relocation and jurisdiction disputes, as well as our growing modern families practice encompassing surrogacy, assisted conception, fertility law, adoption and matters affecting diverse family structures.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and ambitious solicitor with at least 8 years’ PQE to join and help grow our international child abduction and modern families practice.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior practitioner to become a member of our nationally recognised team undertaking some of the most complex and urgent cross-border family litigation before the High Court. We are particularly interested in hearing from established specialists in Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention child abduction, international children law and relocation disputes who are looking for a platform from which to further develop their practice.
The successful candidate will manage a varied and complex/ high-profile caseload, including:
International child abduction matters under the Hague Convention 1980;
Non-Hague international child abduction cases;
International child contact and enforcement disputes;
Internal and external relocation applications;
Habitual residence and jurisdiction disputes;
Wardship and inherent jurisdiction proceedings;
International surrogacy and parental order applications;
Adoption and assisted conception matters; and
Cases involving LGBTQ+ families and other modern family structures.
The successful candidate will work closely with overseas lawyers, Central Authorities, specialist organisations and charities, often coordinating cases across multiple jurisdictions.
The role offers significant opportunities for advocacy, strategic litigation, business development and thought leadership within this specialist area of family law. They will also play an important role in supporting and supervising junior lawyers, contributing to the continued growth and development of the team.
About you
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales;
A strong academic background and excellent technical ability;
Significant experience in international child abduction and cross-border children law;
Proven expertise in Hague Convention proceedings;
Experience of international and domestic relocation cases;
Experience conducting complex children litigation in the High Court;
A thorough understanding of Legal Aid and publicly funded children work;
Excellent client care and case management skills; and
The ability to supervise, mentor and develop junior team members.
Desirable:
Membership of the International Child Abduction Contact Unit (ICACU) practitioner network.
Resolution Specialist Accreditation in Child Abduction.
Law Society Children Law Accreditation and/or Child Abduction and Wardship Accreditation.
Membership of the Children Panel.
Experience in international surrogacy, adoption or assisted conception matters.
An established referral network, including relationships with charities, specialist organisations or overseas practitioners.
A following or demonstrable business development capability.
Why Join us?
This role offers the opportunity to:
Join one of the UK’s leading practices in international family law.
Undertake high-profile, complex and often precedent-setting work.
Work with leading practitioners in cross-border family litigation.
Develop and expand a specialist international practice.
Access high-quality referral sources and established professional networks.
Work on both legally aided and privately funded matters.
Supervise and develop talented junior lawyers within a supportive team environment.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
Bindmans LLP is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from individuals who are Black, Asian and minority ethnic, disabled, or from backgrounds that are underrepresented within the legal profession.
How to apply
Please view the role’s job description and person specification in the downloadable files.
If you are interested in applying please complete the recruitment pack. Completed recruitment packs should be emailed to
[email protected] , quoting the vacancy reference number.
Job Details
Closing Date 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026
Start Date As soon as possible
Salary Dependent on PQE
Contract Type Permanent
Reference SenAbductionSol.07-2026
Supporting Documents
Job Description
Recruitment Pack
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