Position
Senior Solicitor (Childcare)
Location: Council House, Solihull / Hybrid
Salary and Working Hours
Salary: £54,495 – £61,379 per annum (pay award pending). Incremental progression is subject to performance. Full‑time 37 hours per week (part‑time applications will be considered).
Responsibilities
* 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 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.
* Supervise and support solicitors and legal assistants across the wider team, manage their performance and development, and ensure 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.
Qualifications and Experience
* Qualified solicitor, barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with practising rights and authorised to conduct litigation.
* 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 working within a local authority legal department would be desirable.
What We Offer
* A range of flexible 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 our Employee Assistance Programme – a free, confidential 24‑hour advice and support service.
* Family and carer‑friendly policies.
* Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and the Cycle 2 Work Scheme.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Solihull Council is an Equal 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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