5 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To undertake and manage an extensive caseload of highly complex legal matters within the Safeguarding Children’s Team, providing expert legal advice, advocacy, and strategic guidance in child protection and care proceedings. The postholder will ensure high-quality legal services that safeguard and promote the welfare of children while supporting the organisation’s statutory responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a substantial and complex caseload relating to child protection, care proceedings, adoption, special guardianship, and related public law matters.
  

• Provide specialist legal advice to senior officers, social workers, and decision-makers on safeguarding and child welfare legislation.
  

• Represent the organisation in court proceedings, including advocacy in the Family Court and High Court where appropriate.
  

• Draft and settle legal documents, including court applications, statements, care plans, threshold documents, and legal agreements.
  

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and case law, including but not limited to the Children Act framework and associated regulations.
  

• Advise on risk management and legal implications of complex safeguarding decisions.
  

• Provide mentoring and supervision to junior lawyers and legal assistants where required.
  

• Contribute to policy development, training delivery, and continuous service improvement within the team.
  

• Maintain accurate case records and meet performance and compliance standards.
  

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEx with a current practising certificate.
  

• Substantial post-qualification experience in childcare law and safeguarding matters.
  

• Proven experience managing complex care proceedings and associated advocacy.
  

• Strong knowledge of public law, safeguarding legislation, and court procedures.
  

• Experience working within or alongside local authority legal services (desirable).
  

• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume and high-risk caseloads effectively.
  

• Bi-Weekly Payments
  
• 35 Working Hours Per Week