Overview
Lawyer - Children and Adult Safeguarding role at Kirklees Council. The position sits within the Safeguarding Children and Adults Team of Kirklees Legal Services, part of the Governance & Commissioning area in Public Health and Corporate Resources. Hours: 37 per week. Location: Hybrid working with occasional requirement at Civic Centre 1, Huddersfield HD1 2NW. Permanent appointment. Grade 11–13. Salary: £41,771 – £50,269. This position is being advertised for Lawyers with varying areas of focus.
Responsibilities
The focus of this role is safeguarding children litigation, adult social care litigation, or a combination of those disciplines, depending on your preference. You will:
* Prepare cases for court using our case management and court bundling systems;
* Appear as advocate and instruct counsel where required;
* Provide advice and representation in relation to safeguarding adults and develop your skills in this area;
* Work within the Safeguarding Children and Adults Team, acting for the Council on matters including public law proceedings relating to children and applications in respect of vulnerable adults in the Court of Protection; you will work closely with children''s services and social work teams.
* Draft application forms and other court documentation to support Local Authority Applications in respect of children or vulnerable adults; for newly qualified lawyers, time spent on these cases under supervision will be considered and demonstrated aptitude.
Development and support
We put a strong emphasis on training and personal development and will support you to be the best you can be. You will have opportunities to learn and develop your skills and share knowledge with the team. You will be supported by Principal and Senior Lawyers, Assistant Legal Officers and business support colleagues.
What you will bring
* A qualified, or soon to be qualified solicitor holding a current practising certificate, a barrister, or a fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and holds a Civil Proceedings Certificate (or who is a Legal Executive Advocate). We are open to applications from newly and recently qualified lawyers.
Experience and focus areas
* Knowledge/experience in at least one of the following areas:
* Children Act 1989 – Public & Private Law Applications
* Adoption and Children Act 2002 – Public & Private Law Applications
* Care Act 2014
* Mental Health Act 1983
* Community Care, Mental Capacity Act 2005
* Advocacy in public & private children proceedings
* Advocacy in public or private law adoption or special guardianship applications
* Judicial Review / Administrative Law
* Experience or time spent drafting application forms and other court documentation to support Local Authority Applications in respect of children or vulnerable adults; under supervision for newly qualified lawyers can be considered.
Benefits
* 28.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays).
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Travel and parking discounts.
* Exceptional Maternity and Paternity leave policies.
* Local Government Pension.
* Access to Employee Healthcare offering a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments.
* Hybrid working.
Additional information
Margaret Miller is the manager for this role; please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion or to request more information. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If you need any support completing an application or any other format for the application or Job Description, please contact the Recruitment Team by phone at 01484 221000 and ask for “Recruitment”.
Closing date
30 November 2025, 11:55 PM.
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