Role: Locum Solicitor / Legal Executive
Location: Manchester (Hybrid Working Available)
Rate: £50 - £55 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 6 Month Locum Assignment
Start Date: ASAP
Benefits: Flexible Working | Long-Term Assignment | High Quality Public Law Work | Supportive Legal Team
What You'll Be Doing
- Managing a caseload of complex public childcare matters from instruction through to conclusion.
- Advising Children's Services on all aspects of child protection, safeguarding and care planning.
- Conducting legal proceedings under the Children Act and associated legislation.
- Preparing and drafting applications, witness statements, care plans and court documentation.
- Providing strategic and tactical legal advice to social workers, managers and senior officers.
- Representing the Local Authority in contested court proceedings where appropriate.
- Attending case conferences, legal planning meetings and stakeholder meetings.
- Working closely with social care teams to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
- Supporting junior lawyers and legal officers where required.
What They're Looking For
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FCILEX).
- Extensive experience handling public childcare matters within a Local Authority environment.
- Strong working knowledge of the Children Act, safeguarding legislation and associated regulations.
- Experience managing complex and sensitive cases independently.
- Excellent drafting, advocacy and client management skills.
- Ability to work autonomously whilst contributing positively to a wider legal team.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
- Previous local government experience is essential.
What's on Offer
- £50 - £55 per hour via Umbrella Payroll.
- Initial 6-month contract with potential for extension.
- Immediate start available.
- Hybrid working arrangement.
- Opportunity to work within a highly respected Local Authority legal team.
- Interesting and meaningful work supporting vulnerable children and families.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
