At a Glance
- Tasks: Represent the council in Family and High Court, handling complex childcare cases.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council's award-winning Legal Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and supports personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified advocate with experience in Childcare Law and Higher Rights.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Position reference: 50145422
Directorate: Core Services | Service: Legal Services
Working Arrangements: Agile Working
Contract type: Permanent
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 of 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
Are you an experienced childcare advocate ready for a role where your expertise truly matters? Do you want to work somewhere your judgement is trusted, your development is a priority, and your contribution makes a real difference to children’s lives? Barnsley Council are putting the borough on the map as a place of possibilities for people to live, work and visit. We are an award winning Council and an award winning Legal Services team having won the Yorkshire Legal Award 2025 for Best In‑House Team. Our aim is to provide a first class legal service to the council and our contributions to the overall council objectives are recognised, respected and valued.
We are recruiting for a permanent In House Advocate to work predominately within our Childcare Team and join the supportive and sociable Legal Team at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. We are seeking a qualified advocate with Higher Rights who has experience in Childcare Law from either private practice or local authority and is looking for the next step in their career. The role will sit within the childcare management team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that cares for each other and for the children of the borough. This is not just another advocacy role. It’s a chance to do the advocacy you love — representing the Council in the Family Court and High Court on the most meaningful cases in children’s social care. Be part of the leadership group within the childcare team, helping shape practice, supporting colleagues, and influencing the service from the inside. Grow your career with first‑class professional development, legal assistant support, and exposure to highly complex, varied work. Work in a team that values people, prioritises wellbeing, and genuinely supports each other. Enjoy flexible, hybrid working, generous leave, LGPS pension, and a comprehensive package of flexible benefits.
The main duties
- To represent the council at various Court hearings predominantly within the Family Court and High Court.
- To sit within the childcare legal management team and provide support and deputise for other managers.
- Assist with the allocation of work and personal development of the childcare legal team.
- Support the lawyers in their training and development and deputise for the principal and senior lawyers.
- Dealing with more complex care matters around adoption, injury, fatalities and matters with an international element.
- Handling a complex caseload of mainly child protection cases, deprivation of liberty applications and any associated advocacy in the Family Court.
- Advising Social Services clients in person and in writing, on all aspects of relevant legislation.
- Prepare all legal documentation relevant to the hearings/caseloads, and prepare a wide variety of court documents, advise on social care law, and assist the Senior Social Care Lawyers and Principal Lawyer in relation to the most complex or specialised matters as and when required.
- Carry out legal research.
Benefits
- Fantastic training and development opportunities.
- 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? Please apply as soon as possible to be considered for this position or contact Lucy Barnes for an informal discussion about the role at lucybarnes1@barnsley.gov.uk. Please use the documents below to help support you with your application form. Please ensure you view the job profile for this role, as you will need to demonstrate in your CV & covering letter how you meet the required criteria. We welcome the opportunity to have a chat about the role and are happy to address any questions you may have about flexible working arrangements, including as a result of caring responsibilities. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and everyone truly feels able to be themselves. If you have any support needs during the recruitment process, please let us know. At Barnsley Council, we believe in second chances and value diversity. Our recruitment process is inclusive, and we welcome applicants with past convictions. We're committed to fairness and do not discriminate. Join us in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Advocate Lawyer (Childcare) in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnsley Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and sociable work environment where your expertise as a childcare advocate can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave and a local government pension scheme, you will thrive in a culture that values wellbeing and teamwork. Join our award-winning Legal Services team and be part of a leadership group that shapes practice and influences positive change within the community.
Contact Details:
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advocate Lawyer (Childcare) in Barnsley
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We think you need these skills to ace Advocate Lawyer (Childcare) in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and the specific role of Advocate Lawyer (Childcare). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
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In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
