Social Care Lawyer

Overview

In this role you provide expert legal support to Children, Young People & Family Services within the Social Care Legal team. You will offer strategic advice, represent the Council in care and family proceedings, and help shape council policy on complex matters. The position centers on safeguarding vulnerable people while ensuring lawful decision-making. Based at the Guildhall, you will work in a busy environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve positive outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• LGPS pension
• 23 days annual leave + 8 public holidays + 3 discretionary days
• flexible working policies
• career development and learning opportunities
• supportive and forward-thinking culture

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to the Council and external clients on complex and sensitive child-related matters
• Represent the Council in court, including care, private law, adoption, and pre-proceedings work
• Draft, review and negotiate legal documents; prepare and present cases in courts and tribunals
• Instruct and coordinate with experts and Barristers; manage fees
• Supervise and support Legal Officers and Assistant Legal Officers
• Contribute to strategy development and implementation of new legislation
• Deliver in-house legal training and development for colleagues and departments
• Support performance management and quality standards across the team

Key requirements

• Qualified as Solicitor, barrister or CILEX lawyer
• Right of audience to appear in Magistrates and County Court
• Ability to handle a large caseload and work in a busy environment
• Excellent communication skills and pro-active team player attitude
• Willingness to work on-site at Guildhall offices; not suitable for full remote work
• Experience advising on children’s social care matters and related proceedings

• team-oriented
• pro-active
• excellent communication
• rights of audience in Magistrates and County Court
• court advocacy
• preparing and presenting legal proceedings

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