Child Protection Lawyer - 3 Month Contract

Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a complex caseload of child protection and public law matters with minimal oversight.
  
  


• Deliver specialized legal advice to Children's Services, officers, members, and partner organizations.
  
  


• Handle care proceedings and related public law childcare matters.
  
  


• Provide guidance on safeguarding, child protection, and statutory duties.
  
  


• Draft legal documents such as court applications, statements, pleadings, and orders.
  
  


• Represent the Local Authority in court proceedings and perform advocacy as needed.
  
  


• Instruct and manage Counsel when appropriate.
  
  


• Offer legal advice at meetings, panels, and multi-agency forums.
  
  


• Assist the Monitoring Officer with governance and legal compliance issues.
  
  


• Contribute to the development and delivery of training for officers and stakeholders.
  
  


• Maintain accurate records using electronic case management systems.
  
  


• Mentor and support junior team members as needed.
  
  


• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver an efficient and effective legal service.
  
  

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practice in England and Wales.
  
  


• Current practicing certificate.
  
  


• Extensive experience in Child Protection and Public Law proceedings.
  
  


• Strong understanding of Children Act legislation and related childcare law.
  
  


• Proven ability to manage complex legal cases independently.
  
  


• Advocacy experience or a strong aptitude for advocacy.
  
  


• Proficient in drafting, negotiation, and legal research.
  
  


• Experience advising senior officers and key stakeholders.
  
  


• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
  
  


• Ability to work flexibly and meet court and statutory deadlines.
  
  


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
  

Desirable

• Previous experience in a Local Authority legal setting.
  
  


• Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited environment.
  
  


• Supervisory or mentoring experience.
  
  


• Experience advising committees, members, or senior leadership teams.
  
  

Additional

• Flexible and remote working options available.
  
  


• Attendance at court hearings and meetings required as necessary.
  
  


• Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile childcare cases.
  
  


• Lexcel-accredited legal service.
  
  

What's on Offer?

• £50.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
  


• 3 Month Contract
  
  


• Full-Time Hours
  
  


• Flexible Working Arrangements
  
  


• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
  


• Diverse and complex child protection caseload.
  
  


• Supportive Local Authority legal team.
  
  


• Opportunity to engage in advocacy and develop specialized expertise.
  
  


• Potential for contract extension.