Childcare Lawyer (Solicitor) – 3 to 6 Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert legal counsel on childcare and family law issues.
  
• Oversee and manage care proceedings for the Council.
  
• Represent the Council in court and other legal settings.
  
• Offer guidance on complex legal matters to Children's Services teams.
  
• Address legal inquiries from the Children and Young People Services Directorate.
  
• Draft legal documents, applications, statements, and court bundles.
  
• Conduct legal research and provide insights on complex and emerging topics.
  
• Facilitate decision-making in Children's Services with clear legal guidance.
  
• Collaborate with social workers, managers, counsel, and external partners.
  
• Ensure adherence to relevant legislation, Law Society Professional Standards, and Lexcel Accreditation
  

• Contribute to the efficient functioning of the Legal Services team.
  

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with a current Practising Certificate.
  
• Extensive experience in Children's Law.
  
• Proficiency in handling and managing Care Proceedings, Public Law Children Matters, and Family Law Cases.
  
• Strong advocacy and case management capabilities.
  
• Exceptional legal research and analytical skills.
  
• Ability to offer clear, practical legal advice on complex issues.
  
• Experience with Children's Services and safeguarding matters.
  
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Competence in managing a demanding caseload efficiently.
  

Desirable

• Previous experience in Local Authority childcare legal roles.
  
• Advocacy experience.
  
• Experience in a Lexcel-accredited legal service.
  
• Familiarity with local government legal frameworks.
  
• Experience advising senior managers and elected officials.
  

Working Arrangements

• Mandatory attendance at County Hall, Northallerton on Mondays.
  
• Remaining four days can be worked remotely.
  
• Preference for candidates residing in North Yorkshire or nearby, as the caseload often involves the Harrogate area.
  
• Fully remote work may be considered for exceptional candidates.
  

What's on Offer?

• £69.58 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3 to 6 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working – 1 Day On Site / 4 Days Remote
  
• Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to join a respected Local Authority legal team.
  
• Engage with a high-profile childcare caseload supporting Children's Services.
  
• Flexible working arrangements.
  
• Potential for contract extension.