Reigate, United Kingdom | Posted on 13/10/2026
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Job Description
Child Protection Lawyer – 3 Month Contract
Local Authority | 3 Month Contract
Location: Surrey
Contract: 3 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Flexible / Remote Working Available
Summary
We are seeking a skilled Child Protection Lawyer to join a Local Authority Legal Services team on a temporary basis. This role is ideal for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with expertise in childcare and public law proceedings. You will be responsible for managing a diverse and complex caseload, offering expert legal counsel and representation to Children’s Services, senior officials, elected members, and partner organizations. As part of a Lexcel-accredited legal team, you will address intricate child protection issues, perform advocacy when necessary, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality legal services that protect children and foster positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee a complex caseload of child protection and public law matters with minimal oversight.
- Deliver specialized legal advice to Children’s Services, officers, members, and partner organizations.
- Handle care proceedings and related public law childcare matters.
- Provide guidance on safeguarding, child protection, and statutory duties.
- Draft legal documents such as court applications, statements, pleadings, and orders.
- Represent the Local Authority in court proceedings and perform advocacy as needed.
- Instruct and manage Counsel when appropriate.
- Offer legal advice at meetings, panels, and multi-agency forums.
- Assist the Monitoring Officer with governance and legal compliance issues.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of training for officers and stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate records using electronic case management systems.
- Mentor and support junior team members as needed.
- Collaborate with colleagues to deliver an efficient and effective legal service.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practice in England and Wales.
- Current practicing certificate.
- Extensive experience in Child Protection and Public Law proceedings.
- Strong understanding of Children Act legislation and related childcare law.
- Proven ability to manage complex legal cases independently.
- Advocacy experience or a strong aptitude for advocacy.
- Proficient in drafting, negotiation, and legal research.
- Experience advising senior officers and key stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Ability to work flexibly and meet court and statutory deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Previous experience in a Local Authority legal setting.
- Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited environment.
- Supervisory or mentoring experience.
- Experience advising committees, members, or senior leadership teams.
Additional
- Flexible and remote working options available.
- Attendance at court hearings and meetings required as necessary.
- Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile childcare cases.
- Lexcel-accredited legal service.
What’s on Offer?
- 3 Month Contract
- Full-Time Hours
- Flexible Working Arrangements
- Bi-Weekly Pay
- Diverse and complex child protection caseload.
- Supportive Local Authority legal team.
- Opportunity to engage in advocacy and develop specialized expertise.
- Potential for contract extension.
Ideal for candidates with experience as a Child Protection Lawyer, Childcare Lawyer, Care Proceedings Lawyer, Children’s Solicitor, Public Law Solicitor, Family Solicitor, Local Government Lawyer, Senior Childcare Lawyer, or Children’s Services Legal Advisor.#J-18808-Ljbffr…