Childcare Lawyer – 3 Month Contract

Location: Solihull (Remote Work with Required Court Attendance in Birmingham and Meetings)

Rate: £50.00 - £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 3 Month Contract (Initial Assignment to January 2027)

Hours: 37 Hours Per Week

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Working Pattern: Mainly Remote

Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Childcare Lawyer to join a Local Authority Legal Services team. This role is ideal for a qualified legal expert with experience in local authority childcare matters, providing specialized legal advice and representation in various children's social care issues. The position is primarily remote, with mandatory attendance on the first day for induction, as well as in-person participation in court hearings in Birmingham and meetings as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Offer legal support to Children's Services and Skills teams.
  
• Handle a comprehensive and challenging childcare caseload.
  
• Provide guidance to officers, members, partners, and clients on childcare law, policy, and procedures.
  
• Conduct litigation and advocacy across all Family Court levels.
  
• Advise on:
  • Care Proceedings
    
  • Public Law Outline (PLO)
    
  • Child Protection
    
  • Adoption
    
  • Placement Orders
    
  • Special Guardianship Orders
    
  • Emergency Applications
    
  • Pre-Proceedings
    
• Draft legal documents, applications, pleadings, and court papers.
  
• Counsel clients on legal risks and implications of proposed actions.
  
• Attend court hearings, tribunals, panels, and inquiries.
  
• Deliver training and briefings to clients, colleagues, and partner organizations.
  
• Participate in committees and meetings as required.
  
• Maintain precise case management and time recording records.
  
• Ensure adherence to Lexcel standards and all professional obligations.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor with a current practising certificate, or
  
• Qualified Barrister with a current practising certificate, or
  
• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) with Family Litigation Practising Rights.
  
• In-depth technical knowledge and recent experience in public law childcare proceedings.
  
• Recent experience within a Local Authority legal department.
  
• Strong familiarity with:
  • Children Act 1989
    
  • Children and Families Act 2014
    
  • Adoption and Children Act 2002
    
  • Relevant childcare case law and statutory guidance
    
• Experience managing a complex childcare caseload.
  
• Experience conducting advocacy in Family Courts.
  
• Knowledge of Family Court protocols and procedures.
  
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and case management skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
  
• Strong analytical and research skills.
  
• Experience using legal case management systems.
  

Desirable

• Experience in advocacy during contested hearings.
  
• Familiarity with Iken Case Management System.
  
• Understanding of Adult Social Care and/or Education Law.
  
• Knowledge of Lexcel Practice Management Standards.
  
• CILEX Advocate qualification for Family Proceedings.
  

Additional

• Must be willing and able to attend court hearings in Birmingham.
  
• Ability to travel across the Borough and surrounding areas as needed.
  
• Flexibility to attend meetings, court hearings, and urgent matters outside normal office hours when necessary.
  
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
  

What's on Offer?

• £50.00 - £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3 Month Contract
  
• 37 Hours Per Week
  
• Predominantly Remote Working
  
• Court Attendance Required in Birmingham
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to work within a highly regarded Local Authority legal team.
  
• Varied and rewarding childcare caseload.
  
• High level of autonomy and responsibility.
  
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
  

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