3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide high-quality, solutions-focused legal advice and representation on childcare law matters, supporting the Council and its partners in delivering effective legal services. The role is responsible for managing a varied childcare caseload, representing the Council in legal proceedings, and ensuring services are delivered in accordance with professional standards, legislation, and Council policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and manage a varied caseload of childcare law matters.
  
• Prepare and progress court applications, including drafting legal documents, case summaries, threshold documents, and court orders.
  
• Represent the Council in courts, tribunals, inquiries, committees, and other legal proceedings as required.
  
• Advise Children's Services on case progress, ensuring statutory deadlines and agreed timescales are met.
  
• Monitor developments in legislation, case law, and regulatory requirements, providing advice on their impact.
  
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with client departments, Counsel, external agencies, and other stakeholders.
  
• Prepare reports and provide legal advice to committees, sub-committees, and working groups.
  
• Support service improvement initiatives, projects, and corporate programmes as directed.
  
• Use the case management system and departmental procedures to ensure efficient and consistent service delivery.
  
• Provide professional support, guidance, and supervision to trainees, junior lawyers, and other team members where required.
  
• Contribute to staff recruitment, team development, and the achievement of service performance targets.
  
• Ensure compliance with Council policies, financial regulations, equal opportunities, and professional standards.
  

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate (or equivalent professional qualification).
  
• Significant experience managing childcare law cases within a local authority or similar legal environment.
  
• Strong knowledge of childcare legislation, family law, court procedures, and relevant case law.
  
• Experience preparing legal documentation and representing clients in court proceedings.
  
• Ability to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision.
  
• Excellent advocacy, negotiation, and legal drafting skills.
  
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
  
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior colleagues is desirable.
  
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while managing competing priorities.
  

Additional Information

• Location: London Borough Of Lambeth
  
• Hours per Week: 35 hours
  
• Pay: Bi-weekly payments