Senior Legal Officer – Case Management Team (Children)
Join Coventry City Council’s Legal Services in the Case Management Team and make a real difference for children and families across our city. We are looking for a dedicated Senior Legal Officer to join our friendly, supportive, and collaborative in‑house legal service committed to delivering positive outcomes.
About the Team
The Case Management Team delivers a comprehensive legal service to Coventry Children’s Services, handling everything from duty advice, private law, and Public Law Outline (PLO) through to judicial reviews and public law proceedings. Work is split into pre‑court work (early intervention, advice and PLO) and court work (case management and representation in court).
Coventry has recently been recognised for significant improvements in statutory timescales and outcomes for children, making this an exciting time to join a team that is delivering real impact for families across the city.
What is the job role?
This role predominantly sits within the Court Section of the team where you will support the progression of children’s cases, including the accelerated discharge process to assist with the Council’s reunification project. You will also play an important role in supporting lawyers and team leaders to progress cases in court and help manage private law proceedings. The service benefits from its own in‑house advocacy team, providing expert guidance and support for hearings.
In this role, you will prepare and draft legal documentation, liaise with social care teams and counsel, and provide essential support for the representation of the Council at court and other forums.
Responsibilities
* Support the acceleration discharge process as part of the Council’s reunification project.
* Assist lawyers and team leaders with case progression in court.
* Manage private law proceedings and provide advice on relevant matters.
* Prepare and draft legal documentation for cases.
* Liaise with social care teams, counsel, and external partners.
* Represent the Council at court and other legal forums.
Qualifications
* Knowledge or experience in children’s legal work, or proven ability to develop expertise in this area.
* Strong drafting skills and accuracy in legal documentation.
* Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, client departments, members and external partners.
* Customer‑focused mindset with a commitment to service improvement and professional development.
* Experience in local government, public sector or private practice is desirable.
* Right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not offered for this role.
Benefits and Working Arrangements
Hybrid working arrangement (home and office), excellent holiday package, and the opportunity to accrue additional leave through flexible working. Inclusive work‑life balance support and commitment to professional development in children’s law.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people meeting the minimum requirements for the role:
* Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
* People currently in care or who have previously been in care
* Disabled individuals or those with long‑term health conditions
Contact
For an informal discussion, please contact Nancy Perkins, Case Management Team Leader – 024 7697 7255 or nancy.perkins@coventry.gov.uk.
Equal Opportunity
Employment at Coventry City Council is fully inclusive, welcoming applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities. We value diversity and inclusion and promote equitable treatment of all.
Interview date
Week commencing 12th January 2026.
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