Child Protection Solicitor/Barrister

Overview

As a Solicitor/Barrister in the Child Protection Legal team, you will represent the council in courts, handling complex care proceedings and related matters. You’ll work within the People and Courts Team to deliver high-quality legal guidance and advocacy. This role supports a mission to create a child-friendly city by safeguarding children’s welfare. You will engage in multidisciplinary work, shaping outcomes through effective risk management and litigation skills. A meaningful opportunity to influence children’s lives in a growing, diverse city.

Responsibilities

• Attend court hearings to represent Southampton City Council
• Handle care proceedings, pre-proceedings, adoption and deprivation of liberty matters
• Provide strategic advice and advocacy in child protection cases
• Collaborate with a multi-skilled team and manage case work efficiently
• Apply risk management principles to complex proceedings
• Utilise IT and case management systems to maintain accurate records

Key requirements

• Experienced solicitor or barrister with substantial child protection experience
• Strong advocacy, negotiating and advisory skills
• Competence with IT and case management systems
• Enabling, positive approach to solving complex problems
• Ability to work flexibly across a multi-skilled team
• Standard DBS check

• solution-focused mindset
• collaborative teamwork
• effective communication
• advocacy
• negotiation
• advisory skills

…