At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and represent the Council in children's social services law.
- Company: Join Brent Council, a vibrant and diverse community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 33 days annual leave, excellent pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with strong support for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or CILEX with litigation rights.
This job posting is open to Internal and External Applicants.
Salary range: (PO6/PO7) £58,461 - £61,653 p.a. inc. London weighting (plus fantastic benefits!)
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic Centre and other locations from time to time
This post requires court attendance. Our local court is the West London Family Court.
Brent is a tremendously vibrant London Borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here. The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community, so it is an exciting time to join us.
The Post
- We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Senior Lawyer (in House advocate - Children) to join us in Brent’s impressive Civic Centre, located right next to Wembley stadium and approximately 12-minute train ride from Baker Street and Kings Cross.
- The successful candidate will actively support the management of the department.
- Provide high level and proactive expert legal advice on children’s social services law to the Council, its members and officers and to be a point of contact for members and senior officers on legal matters pertaining to Children public law.
- Attend court or tribunals or public inquiries as a Senior Advocate and in particular, conduct high quality advocacy in the High Court, Family Court, Coroners Court, including all hearings up to contested/complex hearings.
- Monitor the quality of work undertaken by the team.
We offer good flexible working arrangements with high quality arrangements for remote access. So, if you are a skilled and passionate lawyer looking for a challenging and rewarding career in a demanding but supportive environment - this is the opportunity you have been waiting for.
The Person
- We are looking for a flexible individual with good knowledge and experience of advocacy in Children Public Law.
- Experience of conducting Children public law hearing from urgent/first appointments to contested final hearings.
Qualifications
- Admitted Solicitor
- Qualified Barrister
- Chartered CILEX with litigation rights
Why join us?
We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you will benefit from:
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS)
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
- Supportive family-friendly policies for parents, guardians, and carers
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment
Closing Date: 20/08/2026 (23:59)
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourages applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application.
We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working. As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk.
Senior Lawyer (In-House Advocate – Child Care) employer: Brent Council
Brent Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and culturally diverse environment for Educational Psychologists. With generous benefits such as up to 33 days of annual leave, excellent pension contributions, and the flexibility of hybrid working, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Greater London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer (In-House Advocate – Child Care)
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Brent Council, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer (In-House Advocate – Child Care)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Brent 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 Brent Council and the specific role of Senior Lawyer (In-House Advocate – Child Care). 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 Brent Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brent 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.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
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 Brent Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
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 Brent Council.
