Childcare Lawyer

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality legal advice and representation in childcare and public law matters, ensuring the effective and timely progression of cases in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and professional standards. The post holder will manage a caseload of complex childcare matters, provide clear legal advice to clients and partner agencies, and represent the organisation at court hearings.

The role is predominantly remote, with attendance at court required twice per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of childcare and public law matters from initial instruction through to conclusion.
  
• Provide clear, accurate and timely legal advice on childcare legislation, procedures, evidence and case strategy.
  
• Prepare cases for court, including reviewing evidence, drafting applications, statements, orders and other legal documentation.
  
• Represent the organisation at court hearings and case management hearings, attending court approximately twice per week.
  
• Conduct advocacy and negotiate effectively with other legal representatives, local authority professionals, parents, guardians and other relevant parties.
  
• Advise social care colleagues on legal issues arising from child protection and care proceedings.
  
• Ensure cases are progressed efficiently and within relevant statutory and procedural timescales.
  
• Instruct and liaise with counsel, experts and other external professionals where appropriate.
  
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records and ensure all legal documentation is completed to the required standard.
  
• Provide practical advice on evidence, risk, case management and appropriate legal remedies.
  
• Work collaboratively with social workers, managers, safeguarding professionals and other partner agencies.
  
• Keep up to date with developments in childcare law, case law, legislation, guidance and procedural requirements.
  
• Manage competing priorities effectively while maintaining high standards of client service and professional conduct.
  
• Ensure compliance with relevant organisational policies, legal procedures, confidentiality, data protection and professional requirements.
  
• Contribute to service development, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the legal service.
  
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the level and responsibilities of the role.
  

Requirements

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, with current practising rights.
  
• Significant post-qualification experience in childcare and/or public law.
  
• Demonstrable experience of conducting care proceedings and other complex childcare matters.
  
• Strong advocacy experience and confidence appearing before the Family Court.
  
• Sound knowledge of the Children Act 1989, associated regulations, relevant case law and public law procedures.
  
• Experience of managing a complex childcare caseload independently and effectively.
  
• Strong legal drafting and analytical skills, with the ability to assess evidence and identify key legal issues quickly.
  
• Excellent negotiation, advocacy and communication skills.
  
• Ability to provide clear and practical legal advice to social care professionals and other stakeholders.
  
• Experience of working collaboratively with social workers, safeguarding teams, counsel, experts and other professionals.
  
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage deadlines and competing priorities.
  
• Ability to work effectively in a predominantly remote environment while maintaining effective communication with colleagues and clients.
  
• High level of professionalism, discretion and commitment to confidentiality.
  
• Commitment to safeguarding children and promoting positive outcomes for children and families.
  
• Ability to attend court twice per week as required.
  
• Strong commitment to delivering a high-quality, responsive and client-focused legal service.
  

Additional Information

• Hours per Week: 37 hours per week, across five days
  
• Location: Predominantly remote, with attendance at court twice per week - Kettering
  
• Bi-Weekly Payments: Paid bi-weekly