Childcare Lawyer – 3 Month Contract

Location: North Northamptonshire (Remote with Court Attendance Twice Weekly)

Rate: £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: 37 Hours Per Week

Working Pattern: Remote with Court Attendance Twice Weekly

Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Childcare Lawyer to join a Local Authority Legal Services team in North Northamptonshire for a 3-month contract. This role primarily involves remote work, with mandatory court appearances twice a week. The ideal candidate will handle a diverse range of childcare cases, offer expert legal counsel to Children's Services, and perform advocacy when necessary. You will operate with minimal supervision, delivering precise and practical legal advice to support the Council's statutory duties and safeguarding goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee an independent caseload of childcare issues.
  
• Provide expert legal guidance to Children's Services, senior officials, and elected members.
  
• Offer advice on:
  • Child Protection
    
  • Public Law Outline (PLO)
    
  • Pre-Proceedings
    
  • Care Proceedings
    
  • Emergency Applications
    
  • Adoption Matters
    
  • Placement Orders
    
  • Supervision Orders
    
  • Special Guardianship Orders
    
• Conduct advocacy and represent the Council in court.
  
• Attend court approximately twice weekly.
  
• Draft, negotiate, and review legal documents, applications, pleadings, and court papers.
  
• Offer legal and procedural advice to committees and decision-making bodies as needed.
  
• Facilitate lawful and effective decision-making within the Council.
  
• Maintain case management records, time tracking, and file management.
  
• Enhance precedents, templates, and guidance materials.
  
• Provide legal training and support to client departments as required.
  
• Mentor trainee solicitors, solicitor apprentices, and junior colleagues.
  
• Participate in partnership, governance, and legal meetings as necessary.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or FCILEx with a valid practising certificate.
  
• Extensive post-qualification experience in Childcare Law.
  
• Comprehensive knowledge of:
  • Children Act 1989
    
  • Adoption and Children Act 2002
    
  • Family Procedure Rules
    
  • Child Protection and Safeguarding Legislation
    
• Experience managing a full spectrum of childcare cases.
  
• Experience advising Children's Services and Social Care teams.
  
• Experience conducting advocacy in Family Courts.
  
• Experience advancing cases from pre-proceedings to final hearings.
  
• Proficient drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding caseload.
  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
  

Desirable

• Experience in Local Authority legal settings.
  
• Additional specialist legal training or advocacy accreditation.
  
• Experience mentoring trainee solicitors or junior legal staff.
  
• Familiarity with local government governance and decision-making processes.
  
• Experience advising committees and senior leadership teams.
  

What's on Offer?

• £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3 Month Contract
  
• 37 Hours Per Week
  
• Predominantly Remote Work
  
• Court Attendance Twice Weekly
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Engaging and fulfilling childcare caseload
  
• Opportunity to support vulnerable children and families
  
• Supportive Local Authority legal environment
  
• High degree of autonomy and responsibility
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Childcare Lawyer, Children's Solicitor, Family Solicitor, Public Law Solicitor, Child Protection Lawyer, Senior Childcare Solicitor, Care Proceedings Lawyer, or Local Government Childcare Solicitor.