Job Category : Legal
Location : County Hall, Somerset Council
Hours Per Week : 37.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:30
Salary: £45.31
We are currently looking for a Childcare Solicitor
Main Responsibilities & Duties
1. Provides comprehensive legal, procedural and administrative advice in relation to area(s) of
work allocated, e.g. Social Services, Education, Property, Planning, Employment, Highways and
Rights of Way ensuring that staff dealing with their area of the law are kept updated in
changes in the law.
2. Personally conducts cases in Courts and Tribunals including Public Inquiries to represent the
County. Clerks internal hearings as required. Prepares cases for hearing, including instructing
Counsel where necessary.
3. Prepares reports for and provides comprehensive legal, procedural and administrative advice
to Committees, Sub-Committees and other bodies including ensuring the legal accuracy and
practicability of proposals contained in reports or proposed meetings. Checks the accuracy
of minutes and takes legal action as required following the meeting.
4. Drafts any documents needed, such as contracts, court applications, creating new and original
documents as required eg. Service Level Agreements.
5. Negotiates with other Solicitors or third parties in settling documentation or disputes
concluding agreements and settlements on the best terms available or as instructed by the
client Department.
6. Keeps officers and elected Members and legal colleagues informed of legislative changes in
their area of work.
7.policies; health, safety and wellbeing of self and others; and Organisational values in
everything you do. Equality and Diversity practice covers both interaction with staff, service
users and communities and includes challenging discrimination and promoting equality of
opportunity for all.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Flexible regarding hours worked to
accommodate Court hearings etc
Ability to manage conflicting priorities
Well organised
Ability to travel throughout Somerset and
elsewhere as required
Essential
Work Experience Knowledge & Skills
Handling a childcare case load
Desirable
Advising on Adult Social Services and/or
Mental Health and/or Education
Appearing in the Family Proceedings Court and
County Court
Knowledge of legislation relating to Adult
Social Services and/or Mental Health and/or
Education
Knowledge of Local Government Law
In depth knowledge of Children Act 1989 and
Adoption and Children Act 2002
Ability to represent the Council in the Family
Proceedings Court and County Court
Preparation of Child Care matters
Ability to research legislation and Case Law
Ability to use a case management system and
experience of the Microsoft Office suite of
software
For customer facing roles, the ability to speak
fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the
Immigration Act (2016).
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
Solicitor, Barrister or FCILEx
Member of Children Panel or eligible and
willing to apply
Personal Attributes
Essential
Desirable
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Flexible regarding hours worked to
accommodate Court hearings etc
Ability to manage conflicting priorities
Well organised
Ability to travel throughout Somerset and
elsewhere as requiredThis role is Hybrid working