Closing date: 01 February 2026
Working in local government is a highly satisfying and rewarding experience in many ways, and you will enjoy an excellent range of benefits at Derbyshire County Council.
Job Overview
We are currently looking for an inspired and proactive Child Protection Lawyer to join our Family, Safeguarding and Education Team within the Legal department. The role involves advising and representing Children’s Services on matters of child protection, including adoption, case management of pre‑proceedings matters and court work. You will also undertake advocacy as part of this role, supported by our excellent in‑house advocacy team.
Requirements: You must be proficient in IT software, and possess strong organisational, motivational and interpersonal skills to deliver an efficient and effective service.
Responsibilities
* Advise & represent Children’s Services on child protection matters, including adoption.
* Manage pre‑proceedings matters and court work.
* Participate in advocacy tasks; develop skills with in‑house support.
* Use IT software efficiently to support case management.
* Maintain organisational, motivational and interpersonal skills for effective service delivery.
Benefits
* 27 days of annual leave, plus 5 extra days after 5 years of continuous service, and 8 bank holidays.
* Flexible work‑life balance with flexitime and up to 2 additional days of leave per month.
* Training and development opportunities.
* Mentoring and a supportive team environment with an allocated legal assistant and administrative support.
* Generous local government pension scheme.
* Guaranteed incremental annual pay increases.
* Comprehensive wellbeing package.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Discounts at selected county leisure centres.
* And much more!
Location and Working Arrangements
Legal Services are contractually based in Matlock, Derbyshire, but as part of our Modern Ways of Working programme, work is hybrid: office once per week, face‑to‑face court hearings primarily in Derby and Chesterfield, and meetings when necessary. Remote work from home is also available.
Other Roles
We are also recruiting for other vacancies in our Legal Team. For more information, click here.
How to Apply
After reviewing the documentation provided, please contact:
* Linzi Olney – Linzi.olney2@derbyshire.gov.uk
* Jeanette Bloor – jeanette.bloor@derbyshire.gov.uk
* Angela Baldwin – Angela.Baldwin@derbyshire.gov.uk
Provisional interview date: 13 February 2026.
References provided will double interview chances.
Job Details
* Seniority level: Entry level
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Legal
* Industry: Government Administration
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