Incremental progression is subject to performance
Full-time 37hrs per week (part-time applications will be considered)
Location: Council House, Solihull / Hybrid
At Solihull Council, we are proud of our reputation for delivering high‑quality, resident‑focused services built on strong governance, integrity and accountability.
We consider ourselves to be a well-respected, welcoming, and supportive legal team.We work hard to ensure our people are able to develop their knowledge, skills and experience, to excel in their roles, and to positively manage the demands of the job.We have built positive and respectful relationships with both our client directorates and stakeholders, and a shared ambition to improve outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and adults within the Borough.
We are looking for a highly motivated and driven Senior Solicitor (Childcare) to work alongside two other Senior Solicitors within the Social Care and Education Legal Team, supporting the Team Leader in developing the team, and ensuring we continue to provide a high quality, responsive, cost‑effective and solution‑focused legal service.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced childcare solicitor looking for a dynamic, challenging, and highly rewarding role.
As a Senior Solicitor (Childcare), you will:
* Provide robust, clear, high level, and expert legal advice on a range of issues relating to children’s social care, including at Legal Gateway Panels and upon policy and procedures
* Manage a varied, demanding and complex caseload of public law care and related court proceedings and undertake advocacy before the Birmingham Family Court
* Together with the other senior solicitors, supervise and support the solicitors and legal assistants across the wider team, managing their performance and development, and ensuring quality and service standards are maintained
* Represent Legal Services and the Council at internal and external (multi-agency) meetings as and when necessary, including LFJB subgroups
What we’re looking for:
We welcome applications from qualified solicitors, barristers, or Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with practising rights and authorised to conduct litigation.
You should have:
* An in-depth understanding of the legal framework relating to children’s social care
* Recent and extensive technical knowledge and legal practice in conducting complex public law (Children Act 1989) proceedings, including advocacy
* Supervisory experience or an aptitude for managing and supervising staff
* Excellent judgement, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and exceptional written and verbal communication.
* Previous experience of working within a local authority legal department would be desirable.
What we offer:
* A range offlexible working options, including hybrid working and a flex‑time scheme
* Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days per year
* Access to ourEmployee Assistance Programme– a free, confidential 24‑hour advice and support service
* Family and carer‑friendly policies
* Membership of theLocal Government Pension Scheme
* A range ofemployee benefits, including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and the Cycle 2 Work Scheme.
If you are passionate about public service and want to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.
To apply, please click the link belowto upload your CV and supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria set out in the job description and person specification. This should be in your own words and reflect your own experiences.
For an informal discussion, prior to submitting your application, please contactMaria Demosthenous, Senior Solicitor, on 07810 056743or atmdemosthenous@solihull.gov.uk.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited toface to face interviews on4th or 5th June 2026.
Solihull Council is proud to be anEqual Opportunities Employer.We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and succeed on merit.
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