Childcare Locum Solicitor

Role: Childcare Locum Solicitor / Legal Executive
Location: South Yorkshire (Local Authority - Hybrid Working)
Rate: £50 - £55 per hour
Contract: Locum - Immediate Start - Until End of August
CRA Consulting is working in partnership with a well-regarded South Yorkshire Local Authority to recruit an experienced Childcare Locum Solicitor or Legal Executive to support their busy Children's Services team. This is an urgent requirement and offers a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive in-house legal team handling meaningful and rewarding public law work.

The Opportunity

You will be responsible for managing a varied caseload of childcare matters, providing clear, pragmatic advice to social workers and senior officers, and representing the authority in care proceedings. It is a hands‑on role where you will be trusted to manage your own files and work autonomously, while being supported by an experienced and collaborative legal team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a caseload of public law childcare matters
• Conducting and advising on care proceedings
• Preparing legal documentation including applications and statements
• Attending PLO meetings
• Providing advice to Children’s Services and internal stakeholders
• Advocacy (desirable but not essential – external counsel available)

What They’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor or CILEX with strong childcare law experience
• Proven experience handling care proceedings within a local authority setting
• Ability to manage a busy caseload independently
• Strong drafting and advisory skills
• Availability to start at short notice

What’s On Offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £50-£55 per hour
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Supportive and experienced team
• Meaningful public sector work
• Contract running until the end of August