Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom
Posted On 02/04/2026
Job Information
Work Experience 4-5 years
Interim & Executive Management
City Northampton
Province Northamptonshire
Postal Code NN1
Job Description
2-3 month contract role with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
* West Northamptonshire Council is seeking two full‑time Senior Childcare Lawyers to support additional workload within the Legal Services team.
* This interim assignment sits within Finance & Corporate Services, operating Inside IR35, and requires experienced legal professionals with a strong background in childcare and public law.
* The successful candidates will manage complex caseloads, provide high‑quality legal advice, and represent the Council in court proceedings relating to children’s social care.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
* Manage a full and complex caseload of childcare matters, including care proceedings, supervision orders, placement orders, and emergency applications.
* Provide specialist legal advice to social workers, managers, and Council officers on all aspects of children’s social care law.
* Prepare and present cases in the Family Court, liaising with counsel where required.
* Draft and review legal documents including threshold statements, position statements, case summaries, and court bundles.
* Represent the Council in pre‑proceedings meetings (PLO), case discussions, and strategy meetings.
* Ensure all work complies with statutory responsibilities, local authority procedures, and best practice standards.
* Support junior legal staff where necessary and contribute to continuous improvement within the legal team.
Skills/Experience:
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with extensive experience in childcare/public law.
* Strong background in managing care proceedings and court advocacy.
* Demonstrable experience advising on the Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2002, and related legislation.
* Excellent drafting skills for legal documents, statements, and court submissions.
* Ability to work to tight deadlines in a high‑pressure, fast‑moving environment.
* Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to provide clear, concise legal advice.
* Experience working within a local authority legal team (highly desirable).
* High level of professionalism, judgement, and ethical standards.
Additional Information:
* This position requires candidates to work full‑time and on‑site as required.
* The role falls Inside IR35 and will be paid via an umbrella company.
* Two Senior Lawyers are being recruited to support increased service demands and safeguard statutory functions.
* Candidates must be able to start promptly and manage demanding caseloads with minimal supervision.
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