Solicitor (Childcare and Families)

Job Description

Your new company

Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.

A large local authority is seeking an experienced Childcare Solicitor to join its established legal team on an interim basis. This is an initial 3-month assignment with an immediate start available, offering the opportunity to join a busy and supportive local government legal function handling a high-volume childcare caseload. The team advises on complex and sensitive matters impacting children and families and is looking for an experienced practitioner who can quickly integrate and provide immediate support.

The role requires office (occasional) and hearing attendance, though fully remote candidates will be considered on the basis a higher caseload is managed where advocacy responsibilities are not undertaken.
Your new role

You will manage a full childcare caseload within a local authority setting with minimal supervision, advising social care teams and internal stakeholders on a range of public law childcare matters.

Key responsibilities will also include:

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• Conducting advocacy and attending hearings where required

Drafting legal documents, applications and court pleadings

Providing pragmatic legal advice to social workers and senior stakeholders

Conducting legal research and advising on risk and case strategy

Liaising with Counsel, courts and external parties where necessary
What you'll need to succeed

You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX professional holding a current practising certificate and be able to demonstrate the following:

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• Significant experience handling local authority childcare matters

Experience managing a full and varied childcare caseload independently

Strong knowledge of public law children work and care proceedings

Excellent advocacy skills and willingness to undertake their own hearings

Strong drafting, communication and stakeholder management skills

The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing deadlines

Applications are particularly welcomed from experienced local government childcare lawyers who can comfortably take over an existing caseload and make an immediate impact.
What you'll get in return

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• Competitive umbrella rate of £40-£60 per hour depending on experience

Initial 3-month contract with potential for extension

Flexible working arrangements, including consideration for fully remote working

Opportunity to work within an experienced and supportive local government legal team

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. xwzovoh

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