Company: Hampshire County Council
Location: Winchester
Job Description:
Overview
As Senior Legal Adviser, you provide legal guidance on public children act proceedings to Children’s Services, including care, deprivation of liberty, and adoption, with advocacy as needed. You manage a complex caseload and help shape how cases are presented in court. You work alongside council colleagues and external partners to allocate resources and meet statutory duties. The role sits in a close-knit Safeguarding Children’s Team and aligns with Hampshire County Council’s priorities. You’ll operate in a supportive, flexible environment that values resilience and impact.
Pay / Benefits
- competitive salary
- generous holiday allowance
- desirable pension scheme
- hybrid working options
- market supplement up to 7,500 per annum
- flexible working options
Responsibilities
- hold and manage a complex caseload advising on legal aspects of child care proceedings
- provide legal advice on care, deprivation of liberty, and adoption matters, including advocacy
- present cases to Court and guide how they are presented
- collaborate with council colleagues and external parties to allocate resources
- ensure statutory commitments are met and practice with client care in mind
- support the team and contribute to the County Council’s corporate priorities
- operate with high resilience in a varied and important workload
Key requirements
- qualified Solicitor/Barrister/FileX with litigation rights
- recent experience in child care law and public law children proceedings
- strong drafting skills
- good client care understanding and practice
- applications welcome from newly qualified candidates with relevant public law children experience
- resilience
- motivation
- effective communication
- child care law expertise
- drafting skills
- litigation and advocacy
…
Posted: October 6th, 2026