Children Social Care Solicitor - £53,460 – £58,959
Join Southend-on-Sea City Council and build your career in public law.
This is an opportunity to join a well-established and supportive legal team where you will take ownership of your own caseload while continuing to develop your advocacy and technical expertise. You will be part of a collaborative team of solicitors and legal assistants, working on meaningful cases that directly impact the lives of children and families.
What you will be doing
* Manage a varied caseload of children social care matters
* Deal with care proceedings, PLO matters and Section 37 matters
* Advise on and managing all aspects of care proceedings
* Drafting applications under the Children Act 1989
* Conduct advocacy at Case Management Hearings and IRHs
* Regular court attendance, with advocacy typically once a week
* Managing Deprivation of Liberty proceedings
* Supporting more complex matters including High Court work
* Supervising and developing up to three legal assistants
What you will bring
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive
* Around 1 to 3 years PQE in children social care or public law
* Advocacy experience or a strong desire to develop it
* Sound knowledge of the Children Act and related legislation
* Ability to manage a busy and emotionally demanding caseload
* Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
* Local government experience is helpful but not essential.
Why join Southend-on-Sea City Council
* Early and consistent advocacy opportunities
* Manageable caseload with structured support
* Hybrid working, with around 40 percent office or court attendance
* Clear progression within a stable and experienced team
* Exposure to a broad mix of routine and complex childcare matters