Job title: Legal Officer (Social Care Legal)
Salary: C3 £32,061 - £33,699
Hours: 37 full time
Contract: Permanent contract (2 vacancies)
Location: Leeds City Centre
Leeds City Council is a progressive authority that works closely with local communities and businesses to create a vibrant and economically thriving city. We serve an outstanding Children’s & Families Department, and we are seeking a legal officer to join our Social Care Legal section.
About You
* Good interpersonal skills and ability to prioritise your own workload.
* Experience drafting court documents and attending court with counsel under tight deadlines.
* Team player who is flexible, enthusiastic and committed.
* Academic qualification: 2 A-levels (grade A‑C) or a paralegal qualification (e.g. affiliate member of CILEX with 5 level 3 units) or equivalent; or 4 GCSEs (grade A‑C) with 12 months experience in a legal environment within the last 5 years.
About The Role
You will support the Principal Legal Officers in undertaking primary legal professional work within Children’s Social Care law. Your duties include taking witness statements, drafting court and other legal documents, issuing and serving applications, attending court with counsel, researching law, responding to correspondence from CSWS, solicitors and the court, and collating and redacting evidence.
The role is integral to the Social Care Legal team and will be supervised by a Team Leader. You will work closely with Principal Legal Officers, Legal Officers and Legal Assistants.
Responsibilities
* Provide written and oral legal advice as appropriate.
* Assist officers in legal services and drafting court documents.
* Prepare cases for hearing, including drafting letters, taking witness statements, collating evidence, arranging witness attendance, and preparing instructions to counsel.
* Attend courts with counsel and report post‑court outcomes to clients.
* Conduct legal research.
* Maintain and operate computerised systems.
* Respond to enquiries and correspondence from external solicitors, the court and other agencies.
* Carry out any other duties commensurate with the job evaluation outcome.
Qualifications
* 2 A-levels (grade A‑C) or a paralegal qualification (e.g. affiliate member of CILEX with 5 level 3 units) or equivalent.
* OR 4 GCSEs (grade A‑C) and 12 months experience in a legal environment within the last 5 years.
Essential Requirements
* Draft clear reports, letters and memoranda.
* Communicate effectively with people at all levels inside and outside the Council.
* Work efficiently as part of a team.
* Prioritise and organise workload.
* Develop and use IT skills, including Windows, Word, Excel and databases.
* Work within time constraints and with minimal supervision.
* Deal sensitively with people experiencing distress or personal difficulties.
* Apply flexible approaches and negotiate with external organisations.
* Maintain knowledge of office procedures and practice.
* Use IT systems to organise work and correspondence.
Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics
* Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values and behaviours.
* Commit to continuous improvement and the council’s ambition for health, wellbeing, inclusive growth and zero carbon.
* Observe equalities and diversity policies.
* Adhere to health and safety policies.
* Actively participate in training and development.
* Adapt to change and support other services as required.
* Fulfil appraisal, training and development activities.
* Comply with council policies and procedures.
* Promote equality and diversity in an anti‑discriminatory manner.
* Report incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or abuse appropriately.
* Work within the council’s flexibility protocol.
Desirable Requirements
* Knowledge of Quality Management Systems.
* Understanding of law and practice relating to Local Government and Social Services.
* Experience working in a legal office and for a Local Authority.
How To Apply
Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words. Follow the guidance provided for completing your application.
Contact
Safeena Koshar (Team Leader) – 0113 3789101 or email: safeena.koshar@leeds.gov.uk
Rebecca Roberts (Section Head) – 0113 3789134 or email: rebecca.roberts@leeds.gov.uk
Closing date for applications: Sunday 30 November 2025 at 11:30pm
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.
Eligibility: Candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, or be eligible for a permit under the Skilled Worker visa route. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, consider your eligibility for sponsorship before applying.
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