At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle Public Law Child Care cases and provide legal advice to social workers.
- Company: Join a supportive local government team dedicated to child welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and great pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive; experience in childcare law is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 50269 € per year.
Salary: £39,152 – £50,269 (Career Graded)
Working arrangements: Gile working – minimum 3 days in the office
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 22/05/2026
Requirements: Basic Criminal Record Check; prospective employees may need to give a reasonable account of any significant periods (6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time living abroad.
Responsibilities:
- Handle a caseload of Public Law Child Care cases and pre‑proceedings matters.
- Undertake advocacy on behalf of the council.
- Advise Children’s Social Workers face‑to‑face and in writing on all relevant legislation.
- Prepare legal documentation, including court documents and advice on child protection law.
- Assist Senior Social Care Lawyers and the Principal Lawyer with complex or specialised matters.
- Carry out legal research.
Qualifications / Experience:
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with the required rights or willingness to obtain them.
- Experience in one or more of the areas above is desirable but not mandatory.
Benefits:
- Legal assistant support at a 2:1 ratio.
- Competitive salary.
- Excellent local government pension scheme, including an additional voluntary contribution option.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Generous annual leave allowance that increases with length of service, plus 5 discretionary days for Christmas shutdown.
- Flexi‑time and up to 5 banked flexi days per year.
- Car lease scheme and salary‑sacrifice options for a brand new car, extra annual leave, cycle‑to‑work, home electronics and childcare vouchers.
- Discounts on parking, rail travel, leisure attractions and gym memberships.
- Family‑friendly policies, including maternity, paternity and adoption entitlements.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and value those with past convictions. We are committed to fairness and do not discriminate.
Lawyer - Childcare employer: Barnsley Council
As a Lawyer in Childcare with us, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive pension scheme and family-friendly policies, make us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in public law. Located in a vibrant community, we value diversity and are committed to providing opportunities for all employees to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer - Childcare
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in childcare law. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on relevant legislation and recent cases in childcare law. We want you to be able to discuss these confidently, showing that you're not just qualified but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your advocacy skills! Whether it’s through mock interviews or networking events, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively. This is key for handling public law childcare cases.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer - Childcare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in Public Law Child Care cases. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills:Since advocacy is a key part of this role, include examples of your past experiences where you've successfully represented clients or handled complex legal matters. This will help us see your potential impact.
Be Clear and Concise:When preparing your legal documentation or any written responses, clarity is crucial. We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point without unnecessary jargon.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Brush up on the relevant child protection laws and public law childcare cases. Being able to discuss specific legislation during your interview will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of past advocacy experiences, even if they are from different contexts. Highlighting your ability to represent clients effectively will resonate well with the interviewers, especially since advocacy is a key part of the job.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with Children’s Social Workers and other legal professionals, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Share specific instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's approach to childcare cases or their support for legal staff. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
