Children's Safeguarding Lawyer

The Role

Reporting to the Principal Lawyer for Children's, Adults and Education, you will provide high-quality legal advice and representation in relation to children's safeguarding matters.

You will manage your own caseload and work closely with social workers, managers, and external partners to ensure the effective delivery of legal services.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children's safeguarding and public law proceedings.
• Provide legal advice to Children's Services and other council departments.
• Draft and review legal documents including court applications, witness statements, care plans, pleadings, affidavits and associated documentation.
• Advise on legal risk and case strategy.
• Attend court hearings and undertake advocacy appropriate to your level of experience.
• Prepare legal implications reports for committees, panels and senior management.
• Support emergency applications, interim care proceedings and child protection matters.
• Work collaboratively across Legal Services and with operational teams.
• Maintain accurate records and utilise legal case management systems.
• Keep up to date with developments in childcare law, safeguarding legislation and relevant case law.

Additional Responsibilities

• Manage complex and sensitive childcare proceedings with minimal supervision.
• Undertake contested interim hearings and emergency protection applications.
• Provide advice on governance and legal risk matters.
• Deliver training and guidance to Council officers.
• Support service development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct advocacy in contested Issues Resolution Hearings and Final Hearings.
• Provide expert legal advice on complex and contentious safeguarding matters.
• Supervise and mentor junior colleagues.
• Deputise for the Principal Lawyer when required.
• Advise senior management on legal risk and strategic legal matters.
• Prepare briefing papers and updates for senior stakeholders and committees.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, FCILEx or equivalent legal qualification.
• Significant experience handling Children's Safeguarding and Public Law childcare matters.
• Experience preparing and conducting care proceedings.
• Strong advocacy skills and experience attending court.
• Excellent drafting and legal research abilities.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and local authority responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience within Local Government, Public Sector or a Local Authority legal team is highly desirable.
• Experience using case management systems and time recording software.