At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle public law childcare cases and represent in court.
- Company: Join Sandwell Council, a supportive and innovative local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, discounts, pension schemes, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor/Barrister with 3 years of legal experience.
- Other info: Caseworker support provided for all allocated cases.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
We are looking for a qualified lawyer, with experience of childcare law who can progress public law childcare cases and attend Court, to join our busy and supportive team dealing with children safeguarding. The postholder will have a caseload of childcare cases under the Children Act 1989 and Adoption and Children Act 2002. This includes applications for care and Supervision Orders, DOLs, Placement and Adoption Orders. There will be Caseworker support for all cases allocated.
You must have a minimum of 3 yearsβ experience of practical legal work of which 2 years must have been gained in public law / childcare law.
Qualifications
- Qualified Solicitor/Barrister (chartered legal executive authorised to practice)
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement, with additional entitlement granted to employees who complete 5 years continuous service with Sandwell or other local authorities.
- Access to our Employee Benefits portal which includes discounts on a number of retail locations, gym membership, cinemas and more.
- Salary sacrifice schemes for cars and bikes.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
For further information about the role, please contact Fiona Davis.
Solicitor (Childcare) employer: Sandwell Council
Contact Detail:
Sandwell Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Solicitor (Childcare)
β¨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in childcare law. Attend local legal events or join relevant online forums to connect with others in the field. This can help you gain insights into the role and potentially get referrals.
β¨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with recent changes in childcare legislation. Being up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations will demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential case scenarios that may be discussed in interviews. Think about how you would approach specific childcare cases, as this will showcase your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
β¨Tip Number 4
Research Sandwell Council's values and recent initiatives in child safeguarding. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission can make a strong impression and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor (Childcare)
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Solicitor (Childcare) position at Sandwell Council. Highlight your experience in childcare law and public law, particularly your familiarity with the Children Act 1989 and Adoption and Children Act 2002.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects your relevant legal experience, especially the minimum of 3 years in practical legal work, with at least 2 years in public law or childcare law. Use specific examples of cases you've handled to demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for working in childcare law. Mention your ability to handle a caseload and your commitment to safeguarding children, as these are key aspects of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the legal profession.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Council
β¨Know Your Childcare Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of childcare law, especially the Children Act 1989 and Adoption and Children Act 2002. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios that demonstrate your understanding and experience in public law.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your practical legal work experience, particularly the two years in public law/childcare law. Prepare examples of your past cases, focusing on your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.
β¨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working within a supportive team, be ready to discuss how you collaborate with colleagues and support staff. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting to achieve positive results for clients.
β¨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have thoughtful questions ready to ask about the team dynamics, case management processes, and the council's approach to child safeguarding. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.