Lawyer (Children & Families Legal Service)

Overview

In this role you will support Manchester and Salford City Councils through a specialist Children & Families practice within the Legal Services team. You will handle a varied caseload in public and private law, advising on safeguarding and children’s services duties while developing services and policy support. You will advocate in Family Court proceedings and collaborate with social workers and partners to improve outcomes for children and families. This opportunity offers high-quality supervision, diverse advocacy work and a chance to help shape public-sector legal services.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible and hybrid working
• supervision and career development opportunities
• varied and complex advocacy work
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• excellent annual leave entitlement
• supportive and collaborative culture

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied Children Act caseload with increasing autonomy
• Advise on safeguarding responsibilities and local authority duties towards children and families
• Oversee information sharing and disclosure matters
• Undertake advocacy before the Family Courts on behalf of the Council
• Collaborate with social workers, senior officers and partner agencies
• Deliver training and provide legal guidance to clients and stakeholders
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the award-winning legal service

Key requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Fellow (with advocacy rights where applicable)
• Knowledge of children and families law
• Understanding of local government law or willingness to develop in this area
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to public service and improving outcomes for children and families
• Experience in private practice, local government, legal aid, or children’s panel work encouraged

• Strong communication
• Relationship-building
• Adaptability
• Prioritization
• Knowledge of children and families law
• Understanding of local government law

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