Childcare Lawyer – 3 Month Contract

Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Offer legal support to Children's Services and Skills teams.
  
  


• Handle a comprehensive and challenging childcare caseload.
  
  


• Provide guidance to officers, members, partners, and clients on childcare law, policy, and procedures.
  
  


• Conduct litigation and advocacy across all Family Court levels.
  
  


• Advise on:
  
  
  
  • Care Proceedings
    
    
  
  
  • Public Law Outline (PLO)
    
    
  
  
  • Child Protection
    
    
  
  
  • Adoption
    
    
  
  
  • Placement Orders
    
    
  
  
  • Special Guardianship Orders
    
    
  
  
  • Emergency Applications
    
    
  
  
  • Pre-Proceedings
    
    
  
  


• Draft legal documents, applications, pleadings, and court papers.
  
  


• Counsel clients on legal risks and implications of proposed actions.
  
  


• Attend court hearings, tribunals, panels, and inquiries.
  
  


• Deliver training and briefings to clients, colleagues, and partner organizations.
  
  


• Participate in committees and meetings as required.
  
  


• Maintain precise case management and time recording records.
  
  


• Ensure adherence to Lexcel standards and all professional obligations.
  
  

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with a current practising certificate, or
  
  


• Qualified Barrister with a current practising certificate, or
  
  


• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) with Family Litigation Practising Rights.
  
  


• In-depth technical knowledge and recent experience in public law childcare proceedings.
  
  


• Recent experience within a Local Authority legal department.
  
  


• Strong familiarity with:
  
  
  
  • Children Act 1989
    
    
  
  
  • Children and Families Act 2014
    
    
  
  
  • Adoption and Children Act 2002
    
    
  
  
  • Relevant childcare case law and statutory guidance
    
    
  
  


• Experience managing a complex childcare caseload.
  
  


• Experience conducting advocacy in Family Courts.
  
  


• Knowledge of Family Court protocols and procedures.
  
  


• Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and case management skills.
  
  


• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
  
  


• Strong analytical and research skills.
  
  


• Experience using legal case management systems.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience in advocacy during contested hearings.
  
  


• Familiarity with Iken Case Management System.
  
  


• Understanding of Adult Social Care and/or Education Law.
  
  


• Knowledge of Lexcel Practice Management Standards.
  
  


• CILEX Advocate qualification for Family Proceedings.
  
  

Additional

• Must be willing and able to attend court hearings in Birmingham.
  
  


• Ability to travel across the Borough and surrounding areas as needed.
  
  


• Flexibility to attend meetings, court hearings, and urgent matters outside normal office hours when necessary.
  
  


• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
  
  

What's on Offer?

• £50.00 - £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
  


• 3 Month Contract
  
  


• 37 Hours Per Week
  
  


• Predominantly Remote Working
  
  


• Court Attendance Required in Birmingham
  
  


• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
  


• Opportunity to work within a highly regarded Local Authority legal team.
  
  


• Varied and rewarding childcare caseload.
  
  


• High level of autonomy and responsibility.
  
  


• Supportive and collaborative working environment.