Job Description
5 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• DMBC Finance & Legal is seeking an experienced Locum Solicitor (or Barrister) with expertise in Public Law Outline (PLO), family law, and Children Act public law proceedings, including adoption cases.
• The successful candidate will join a small, agile team to manage a caseload of child protection cases and provide effective advocacy in Family Court hearings.
• The role involves court attendance across Wolverhampton, Walsall, Telford, and Dudley, with some flexibility to cover hearings of other team members.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Manage a caseload of Children Act public law cases and related adoption applications.
• Conduct Family Court advocacy, including hearings of up to a day in length.
• Provide legal advice and representation to the Council, its Directorates, and Officers.
• Demonstrate flexibility to cover hearings of other team members when required.
• Ensure efficient and effective public law child protection litigation.
• Maintain accurate case records and comply with all legal and regulatory standards.
• Work collaboratively with team members and other stakeholders to achieve outcomes for children and families.
Skills/Experience:
• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in child protection and public law proceedings.
• Strong knowledge of Public Law Outline (PLO) and pre-proceedings protocol.
• Proven family law and family court advocacy experience, including Adoption and Children Act cases.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload effectively and prioritise hearings.
• Comfortable conducting hearings at multiple court locations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Flexible, proactive, and able to work in a small, agile team environment.
• Experience with case management systems and documentation in public law.
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 08/02/2026.
• Location: Dudley, with court attendance in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Telford, and Dudley.
• Working Pattern: Full-time, 37 hours per week, agile working from office, home, and courts.
• Rate: £60 per hour.
• Start Date: ASAP.
Requirements
• HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with relevant post-qualification experience. • Proven ability to manage a varied caseload and deliver person-centred interventions. • Strong assessment and analytical skills, including functional, social, and environmental evaluations. • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational abilities. • Experience in adult social care, prevention, and enablement-focused practice. • Ability to work independently and within multi-disciplinary teams. • Knowledge of legislation and best practice relevant to adult social care and occupational therapy. • Commitment to professional development and continuous service improvement. • Experience in supervising or mentoring junior staff is advantageous.