Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice and advocacy to protect vulnerable children and families.
- Company: Halton Borough Council, a progressive authority committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive environment, and potential for permanent position.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Legal qualification and experience in children's social care law preferred.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with excellent professional growth opportunities.
Location: Halton, Cheshire
Pay: Up to £28.96 per hour
Contract: Initial 6‑month contract with potential to become permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Make a Difference in Children's Lives Through Legal Excellence
Halton Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious authority with a strong commitment to its communities. Located in Cheshire with excellent transport links, we offer a supportive working environment where legal professionals can thrive and directly contribute to positive outcomes for vulnerable children and families. We are now seeking a dedicated and experienced Lawyer – Children's Services to join our Legal Services Directorate. This is a vital role where your legal expertise will help safeguard and protect children across the borough.
About the Role
As a key member of the Legal Services team, you will provide high‑quality legal and procedural advice across the full range of children's social care matters. From pre‑proceedings and public law care applications to complex safeguarding issues and advocacy in family courts, this role is both challenging and rewarding.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake advocacy and litigation in family proceedings to represent the Council's interests
- Advise on all aspects of children's social care law, including pre‑proceedings, care applications, adoption, and Special Guardianship Orders
- Support and advise social workers and senior officers on legal and procedural matters
- Draft complex legal documents and prepare cases for court
- Deliver legal advice to Council Boards, Panels, Committees, and Officers to support effective decision‑making
- Keep up to date with developments in child law and assess implications for Council services
- Deliver training and guidance to internal stakeholders to enhance legal understanding and practice
- Collaborate closely with Children's Services, external partners, and courts to achieve the best outcomes for children
- Maintain compliance with Legal Services' Practice Standards and contribute to service improvement initiatives
About You
You will hold a recognised legal qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive, and ideally have:
- Experience in children's social care law, preferably within a local authority or public sector setting
- Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989, associated legislation, case law, and public law proceedings
- Excellent advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills
- The ability to work under pressure, manage deadlines, and deliver pragmatic legal solutions
- A proactive, team‑oriented approach with a focus on client service
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office or equivalent (e.g. G Suite, Mosaic)
- A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel within and outside the borough (reasonable adjustments available)
Why Halton?
Halton is known for its collaborative and supportive culture. Within our Legal Services Directorate, you'll join a knowledgeable and experienced team committed to achieving the best outcomes for children. You'll have the opportunity to grow professionally, influence decision‑making, and be part of a service that truly makes a difference.
Lawyer - Adults Services employer: Connect2Halton
Contact Detail:
Connect2Halton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer - Adults Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work with children's services. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and recent case law. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to safeguarding children in Halton.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your advocacy skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully represented clients in family proceedings. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Halton Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer - Adults Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lawyer - Children's Services role. Highlight your experience in children's social care law and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills: Since advocacy is a key part of this role, include specific examples of your experience in family proceedings. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles, so don't hold back on those success stories!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, we also want to get a sense of who you are. Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for making a difference in children's lives and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It's the best way to ensure we see your application promptly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Halton
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children Act 1989 and any relevant case law. Being able to discuss specific legal frameworks and how they apply to children's social care will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your advocacy experience, especially in family proceedings. Think about times when you've successfully represented interests in court or advised on complex legal matters, as this will highlight your practical skills.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with social workers and other stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've collaborated in the past. Share specific instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes for clients or projects.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics at Halton Borough Council. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
