At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle Public Law Child Care cases and provide legal advice to social workers.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, an award-winning employer with a thriving community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a focus on well-being and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Legal Executive; experience in relevant areas is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 50269 € per year.
Salary: £39,152 - £50,269 (Career Graded)
Working Arrangements: Agile Working - minimum 3 days in the office
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 22/05/2026 at 23:59pm
This post requires a Basic Criminal Record Check. Prospective employees will be required to give a reasonable account of any significant periods (6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time living abroad. When applying, please ensure you are prepared to start work with all the necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa, relevant to the type of work you will be undertaking. Please be aware that our organisation does not possess a Home Office license and, as a result, is unable to provide sponsorship for anyone seeking a visa as a skilled or temporary migrant worker.
Pensions Regulations have provisions to reduce pension payments in certain circumstances for those who return to work within local government service. If you are in receipt of a pension upon commencing employment with the authority, this may affect your pension entitlements and you should therefore seek advice from the relevant Pensions Authority.
About The Post:
Barnsley Council is an award-winning team and one of the biggest employers in the borough, supporting around 243,000 people. There’s so much happening in our thriving borough, and your talent will help us make Barnsley the place of possibilities. As a Council, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer where a people-centred culture is at the forefront of supporting our people’s well-being, motivation, and productivity. We understand the importance of flexibility, and we offer a range of flexible working patterns to aid a work-life balance that accommodates individual needs.
This is a new post to join an already established and caring Child Care team. The main duties of the successful Childcare Lawyer will include:
- Handling a caseload of mainly Public Law Child Care cases and pre-proceedings matters.
- Undertaking advocacy on behalf of the council.
- Advising Children’s Social Workers face-to-face and in writing, on all aspects of relevant legislation.
- Preparing all legal documentation relevant to the caseload, particularly a wide variety of court documents, advising on child protection law, and assisting the Senior Social Care Lawyers and Principal Lawyer in relation to the most complex or specialised matters as and when required.
- Carrying out legal research.
Experience Required For The Childcare Lawyer Role:
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive (with the appropriate rights or the willingness to achieve such).
- Exposure to one or more areas would be beneficial.
The Childcare Lawyer joining this team will enjoy the following benefits:
- Legal assistant support at a rate of 2:1.
- Fantastic training and development opportunities.
- Competitive salary.
- Excellent local government pension scheme, including the option to contribute to an Additional Voluntary Contribution Scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working.
- Generous annual leave allowance, increasing with length of service and an additional 5 discretionary days used for Christmas shutdown.
- Flexi time and use of up to 5 banked flexi days per year.
- Car lease scheme, salary sacrifice for a brand new car!
- Salary sacrifice scheme for extra annual leave, cycle to work, home electronics and childcare vouchers.
- Discounts on car parking, rail travel, eating out, leisure attractions and gym memberships.
- Family friendly policies including excellent maternity, paternity and adoption entitlements.
Interested in applying for the Childcare Lawyer role? This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced Childcare Lawyer to join a Legal Team with a great reputation. We will invest in your growth so even if you do not have local authority experience we still would like to hear from you.
Public Law Child Care Lawyer | Hybrid & Flexible Hours employer: Barnsley Council
Barnsley Council is an award-winning employer that prioritises a people-centred culture, offering flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance. With a commitment to employee growth through fantastic training opportunities and a generous benefits package, including a competitive salary and local government pension scheme, joining our legal team means being part of a supportive environment dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Law Child Care Lawyer | Hybrid & Flexible Hours
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might know someone at Barnsley Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the team and culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on public law and child care cases. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through, so think of examples from your experience that relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during the interview! Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role and the council’s mission. It’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our awesome team!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Law Child Care Lawyer | Hybrid & Flexible Hours
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and what it entails. Check out the job profile and think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of a Public Law Child Care Lawyer. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Personal:When filling out your application, don’t just list your qualifications. Share your story! Tell us about your passion for child care law and any relevant experiences that shaped your career. We love hearing about what drives you and how you can contribute to our award-winning team.
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to highlight specific skills that are relevant to the role, like advocacy or legal research. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate how you've successfully handled similar cases. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary documents and resources to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Brush up on the key legislation related to Public Law Child Care. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and changes in law that may impact your role. This will show your commitment and understanding of the field during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your advocacy experience, especially in child care cases. Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively represented clients or organisations in similar situations. This will highlight your practical skills and confidence.
✨Understand the Council's Values
Research Barnsley Council’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around inclusivity and community support. This demonstrates that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the council's approach to flexible working. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
