Child Protection Lawyer - 3 Month Contract

Local Authority | 3 Month Contract

Location: Surrey

Rate: £50.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Flexible / Remote Working Available

Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

We are seeking a skilled Child Protection Lawyer to join a Local Authority Legal Services team on a temporary basis. This role is ideal for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with expertise in childcare and public law proceedings. You will be responsible for managing a diverse and complex caseload, offering expert legal counsel and representation to Children's Services, senior officials, elected members, and partner organizations. As part of a Lexcel-accredited legal team, you will address intricate child protection issues, perform advocacy when necessary, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality legal services that protect children and foster positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a complex caseload of child protection and public law matters with minimal oversight.
  
• Deliver specialized legal advice to Children's Services, officers, members, and partner organizations.
  
• Handle care proceedings and related public law childcare matters.
  
• Provide guidance on safeguarding, child protection, and statutory duties.
  
• Draft legal documents such as court applications, statements, pleadings, and orders.
  
• Represent the Local Authority in court proceedings and perform advocacy as needed.
  
• Instruct and manage Counsel when appropriate.
  
• Offer legal advice at meetings, panels, and multi-agency forums.
  
• Assist the Monitoring Officer with governance and legal compliance issues.
  
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training for officers and stakeholders.
  
• Maintain accurate records using electronic case management systems.
  
• Mentor and support junior team members as needed.
  
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver an efficient and effective legal service.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practice in England and Wales.
  
• Current practicing certificate.
  
• Extensive experience in Child Protection and Public Law proceedings.
  
• Strong understanding of Children Act legislation and related childcare law.
  
• Proven ability to manage complex legal cases independently.
  
• Advocacy experience or a strong aptitude for advocacy.
  
• Proficient in drafting, negotiation, and legal research.
  
• Experience advising senior officers and key stakeholders.
  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
  
• Ability to work flexibly and meet court and statutory deadlines.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  

Desirable

• Previous experience in a Local Authority legal setting.
  
• Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited environment.
  
• Supervisory or mentoring experience.
  
• Experience advising committees, members, or senior leadership teams.
  

Additional

• Flexible and remote working options available.
  
• Attendance at court hearings and meetings required as necessary.
  
• Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile childcare cases.
  
• Lexcel-accredited legal service.
  

What's on Offer?

• £50.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3 Month Contract
  
• Full-Time Hours
  
• Flexible Working Arrangements
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Diverse and complex child protection caseload.
  
• Supportive Local Authority legal team.
  
• Opportunity to engage in advocacy and develop specialized expertise.
  
• Potential for contract extension.
  

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