Your newpany
You will be joining a well-established and highly regarded local authority legal service, recognised for delivering high-quality legal advice across a broad range of public sector matters. Operating at the heart of decision-making, the team plays a vital role in supporting the safeguarding and wellbeing of children and families, working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to achieve the best possible oues.
The service is collaborative, forward-thinking andmitted to professional development, offering the opportunity to work onplex, meaningful cases within a supportive and well-resourced environment.
Your new role
As a Senior Lawyer within the Children and Families team, you will manage a busy and varied caseload focused primarily on public children law, including section 31 care proceedings and Deprivation of Liberty matters.
You will be responsible for handlingplex and sensitive cases from start to finish, providing high-quality legal advice and representation, including advocacy in contested hearings. You will work closely with clients to deliver clear, strategic and solution-focused guidance, often within politically sensitive environments.
You will be supported by a Legal Officer, who will assist with case preparation, drafting and evidence gathering, alongside a dedicated business support team handling bundling and administrative tasks.
In addition to your caseload, you may contribute to mentoring junior colleagues, delivering training to clients, and supporting wider service development. This is a role where your expertise, professionalism and ability to influence will have a direct impact on oues for vulnerable individuals.
Contract details:
• Duration: Initial contract to end of October 2026 (with potential for extension)
• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
• Working pattern: Hybrid (c. 1 day per week in the office, flexibility considered)
What you'll need to succeed
1. Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister (with litigation rights) or CILEX Lawyer (with advocacy certificate), with a current practising certificate
2. Strong experience in public children law, including section 31 proceedings and related applications
3. Proven advocacy skills, with confidence representing clients in contested hearings
4. Excellent case management skills, with the ability to handleplex, high-volume workloads with minimal supervision
5. Strong analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical advice onplex legal issues
6. Ability to build effective working relationships andmunicate with a wide range of stakeholders
7. A proactive, solution-focused approach and the ability to work in a politically sensitive environment