At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and representation in childcare law matters.
- Company: Civic Recruitment Limited, dedicated to safeguarding children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with at least 2 years' experience in childcare law.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To provide expert legal advice, representation, and support to Children's Social Care services in relation to safeguarding, adoption, care proceedings, and other child protection matters. The postholder will manage a varied caseload, represent the Council in legal proceedings, attend key decision-making panels, and ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services that safeguard the welfare of children and support the Council's statutory responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of childcare matters, including care proceedings, pre-proceedings (PLO), adoption, special guardianship, deprivation of liberty (DoLS), secure accommodation applications, discharge applications, and other non-care matters.
- Provide legal advice and support to Children's Social Care teams on safeguarding and child protection issues.
- Attend and provide legal advice at Legal Planning Meetings (LPM) and other multi-disciplinary forums.
- Prepare and review legal documentation, court applications, witness statements, disclosure requests, and redaction exercises.
- Represent the Council in court proceedings and hearings, undertaking advocacy where qualified and appropriate.
- Advise on legal risks, statutory duties, and procedural requirements relating to childcare law matters.
- Participate in duty lawyer sessions and provide responsive legal support to Children's Services.
- Ensure all case files and records are maintained in accordance with Lexcel standards and regulatory requirements.
- Support the Head of Team in delivering service objectives, corporate priorities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Liaise effectively with social workers, senior managers, Counsel, external agencies, and court representatives to ensure positive outcomes for children and families.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) with rights of audience and conduct of litigation, holding a current practising certificate.
- Minimum of 2 years' post-qualification experience in childcare law within a Local Authority setting.
- Proven experience managing care proceedings and Public Law Outline (PLO) pre-proceedings cases.
- Experience handling Deprivation of Liberty (DoLS), Secure Accommodation, Special Guardianship Order (SGO), Adoption, Discharge, Disclosure, and Redaction matters.
- Strong knowledge of childcare legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and court procedures.
- Ability to provide practical and solution-focused legal advice to Children's Social Care professionals.
- Excellent drafting, advocacy, negotiation, and case management skills.
- Experience maintaining Lexcel-compliant case files and legal records.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a busy and varied caseload.
- Ability to undertake advocacy in childcare proceedings.
Additional Information
Location: Tooley Street, London
Hours per Week: 36 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 9:30am–5:30pm with a 1-hour break)
Childcare Lawyer in London employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the welfare of children and families. Located in Southwark, London, employees benefit from a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth in childcare law, while contributing to meaningful legal services that make a real difference in the community. With a commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery, this role provides a rewarding experience for legal professionals dedicated to safeguarding children's rights.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Lawyer in London
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited, 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 Childcare Lawyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Civic Recruitment Limited, 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 Civic Recruitment Limited and the specific role of Childcare Lawyer. 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 Civic Recruitment Limited’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited.
