Your new company You'll be part of a specialist Safeguarding Children Legal Team, acting for the council on a wide range of children-focused matters. The team advises and represents the authority in public law childcare proceedings, working closely with social care professionals to safeguard the welfare of children and young people. This is a supportive, experienced team with a strong reputation for high quality advocacy and collaborative work. Your new role You'll be responsible for managing a varied children's safeguarding caseload, preparing matters for court and representing the council in proceedings. This will include drafting complex court documentation, undertaking advocacy, and instructing counsel where appropriate on experience, the role may involve appearing regularly in court and contributing to the development of junior colleagues. For more senior candidates, there is scope to take on additional supervisory or line management responsibilities. You'll be supported by a knowledgeable and approachable team, with access to excellent training and professional development opportunities. What you'll need to succeed Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (with Civil Proceedings Certificate or Legal Executive Advocate status)Experience drafting complex court documents within children's safeguarding matters Strong working knowledge of children law legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and associated public law frameworks Confidence conducting advocacy in public law childcare proceedings Applications are welcomed from lawyers ranging from newly qualified through to 4-5 years' PQE What you'll get in return Hybrid and flexible working arrangementsGenerous annual leave Local Government Pension Scheme Exceptional maternity and paternity leave policies Cycle to work scheme and travel discounts Access to employee healthcare services What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays