At a Glance
- Tasks: Advocate in court for child protection cases and provide legal support to the council.
- Company: Cumberland Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in child social care law.
The predicted salary is between 56883 - 59198 £ per year.
About This Opportunity
Cumberland Council is hiring two experienced in‑house Advocates to join our Childcare Legal Team. The role focuses on litigation in child protection and social care, providing advocacy and legal support across the council.
Hours: 37 Hours per week
Location: Civic Centre, Carlisle (flexible working available)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £56,883 to £59,198 per annum
Responsibilities
- Attend courts and tribunals as an advocate, including multi‑day hearings, on behalf of the council.
- Handle a small caseload of complex child social care work, preparing cases for Family Court.
- Provide legal advice and assistance across all levels of the local authority.
- Support the Group Lawyer, Senior Lawyers and Chief Legal Officer in delivering excellent services to council departments, with a focus on Children’s Services.
- Receive support from legal officers and assistants, while being supervised by the Group Lawyer.
- Contribute to management of wider legal services, supporting corporate governance and maintaining legal practice standards in compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority requirements.
Qualifications
- Qualified and admitted solicitor, barrister or legal executive.
- At least three years post‑qualification experience in children social care law, including multi‑day advocacy in county and magistrates’ courts and tribunals.
- Solicitors must have rights of audience in the High Court or be willing to acquire higher rights within an agreed timescale.
- Experience in supervising and managing a complex and corporately significant caseload.
- Excellent communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and an open and honest approach to management.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident Leader and an Age Friendly Employer. If you require reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the Resourcing Team at Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk.
