Summary
North Yorkshire Council is in search of a seasoned Childcare Lawyer (Solicitor) to temporarily join its Legal Services team.
This role is ideal for a qualified Solicitor with extensive expertise in Children's Law, Care Proceedings, and Family Law Matters.
The position involves providing top-tier legal advice, representation, and support to the Children and Young People Services Directorate.
The successful candidate will handle a diverse childcare caseload, ensuring the Council fulfills its legal responsibilities while striving for positive outcomes for children and families.
A current practising certificate is mandatory for consideration.
Responsibilities
- Deliver expert legal counsel on childcare and family law issues.
- Oversee and manage care proceedings for the Council.
- Represent the Council in court and other legal settings.
- Offer guidance on complex legal matters to Children's Services teams.
- Address legal inquiries from the Children and Young People Services Directorate.
- Draft legal documents, applications, statements, and court bundles.
- Conduct legal research and provide insights on complex and emerging topics.
- Facilitate decision-making in Children's Services with clear legal guidance.
- Collaborate with social workers, managers, counsel, and external partners.
- Ensure adherence to relevant legislation, Law Society Professional Standards, and Lexcel Accreditation
Requirements
- Contribute to the efficient functioning of the Legal Services team.
- Essential
- Qualified Solicitor with a current Practising Certificate.
- Extensive experience in Children's Law.
- Proficiency in handling and managing Care Proceedings, Public Law Children Matters, and Family Law Cases.
- Strong advocacy and case management capabilities.
- Exceptional legal research and analytical skills.
- Ability to offer clear, practical legal advice on complex issues.
- Experience with Children's Services and safeguarding matters.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Competence in managing a demanding caseload efficiently.
- Desirable
- Previous experience in Local Authority childcare legal roles.
- Advocacy experience.
- Experience in a Lexcel-accredited legal service.
- Familiarity with local government legal frameworks.
- Experience advising senior managers and elected officials.
Working Arrangements
Mandatory attendance at County Hall, Northallerton on Mondays.
Remaining four days can be worked remotely.
Preference for candidates residing in North Yorkshire or nearby, as the caseload often involves the Harrogate area.
Fully remote work may be considered for exceptional candidates.
What's on Offer?
- £69.58 per hour (Umbrella)
- 3 to 6 Month Contract
- Hybrid Working – 1 Day On Site / 4 Days Remote
- Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire
- Bi-weekly Pay
- Opportunity to join a respected Local Authority legal team.
- Engage with a high-profile childcare caseload supporting Children's Services.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Potential for contract extension.
- This role is suitable for individuals with experience as a Childcare Lawyer, Children's Services Solicitor, Family Solicitor, Care Proceedings Solicitor, Local Authority Solicitor, Child Protection Lawyer, or Public Law Children Solicitor.