Advocate Lawyer (Childcare)

Overview

In this role you will advocate for the council in family and high court proceedings involving children, focusing on complex childcare matters. You will sit in the childcare management team, help shape practice, and support colleagues and junior lawyers. The position offers professional development, a supportive team culture, and flexible hybrid working within a purpose-driven borough. You will contribute to delivering high-quality legal services that support council objectives and make a tangible difference for children and families. This is a leadership-forward opportunity in a recognised award-winning team.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible and hybrid working
• generous annual leave
• LGPS pension with AVC option
• comprehensive training and development
• car lease salary sacrifice
• discounts on parking, rail travel, dining and gym memberships

Responsibilities

• Represent the council in Family Court and High Court hearings on childcare matters
• Sit within the childcare legal management team and provide support/deputise for managers
• Assist with work allocation and development of the childcare legal team
• Support lawyers’ training and development and deputise for senior lawyers
• Handle complex care matters including adoption, injuries, fatalities, and international elements
• Manage a complex caseload of child protection cases and related advocacy
• Advise Social Services clients on relevant legislation, in person and in writing
• Prepare legal documents for hearings and advise on social care law; assist senior lawyers with complex matters
• Conduct legal research

Key requirements

• Qualified advocate with Higher Rights
• Experience in Childcare Law from private practice or local authority

• leadership and mentoring
• collaboration and teamwork
• effective communication
• court advocacy (Family Court and High Court)
• childcare and social care law expertise
• legal research

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