Job Title: Child Care Lawyer
Ref: Darlington 5279831
Pay rate: £21.51 per hour PAYE
Role length: Anticipated 6 months
Working arrangements: Remote working or office based if desired
Additional information: Please detail your requested hourly PAYE rate
The role
You will act as a key member of the People Team, delivering legal services to the Council and external clients in relation to childcare, education and schools, adult services, mental capacity, mental health, public interest immunity and criminal injuries applications. You will assist in the management of staff within the team and contribute to the overall management of Legal Services. You will need to be a qualified legal professional with knowledge of childcare and/or adult protection law, experience of interpreting legislation and experience of attending court.
Key responsibilities
* Manage a caseload of childcare and education matters, working independently or collaboratively within the team
* Provide legal advice and support in line with the team's remit, anticipating issues and contributing strategically to projects and initiatives
* Support the Principal Lawyer in maintaining effective client and stakeholder relationships and in managing the People Team
* Represent the Council at strategy meetings, child protection conferences, planning and review meetings, panels, and Safeguarding Partnership events
* Handle all aspects of childcare litigation, including drafting court documents, instructing counsel, preparing bundles, and attending court and tribunals
* Advise and attend relevant Committees or Sub Committees (for example Scrutiny) consistent with the duties of the post
* Review draft reports that are referred, considering legal, policy, procedural and constitutional implications and to comment on and advise clients
* Write reports or make amendments to reports as may be necessary
* Deliver training and undertake legal research as required
* Delegate, train, allocate, and support the work of other team members
What the client is looking for
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with current practising certificate and with rights of audience
* Current and up to date knowledge of childcare and / or adult protection law
* Experience of attending and presenting cases at courts, panels, hearings and tribunals
* Experience of interpreting legislation, case law, policy or procedures to give recommendations and advice
* Experience of effective negotiating to reach satisfactory outcomes
* Excellent communication skills
* Ability to summarize and interpret complex and conceptual matters to aid others’ understanding and aimed at their needs
* Effective advocacy skills and influencing skills
* Ability to use initiative and make decisions outside immediate policy and procedure, and without reference to manager
* Ability to solve problems and make difficult (good call) judgments
* Ability to regularly give advice and guidance, including demonstrating duties, instructing and checking the work of others
How to Apply
* Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application.
* Submit your CV in Word format.
* Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended.
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