At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a full childcare caseload and provide legal advice to social care teams.
- Company: Join a large local authority with a supportive legal team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity for remote work and career growth in local government.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in childcare law.
The predicted salary is between 50 - 50 £ per hour.
A large local authority is seeking an experienced Childcare Solicitor to join its established legal team on an interim basis. This is an initial 3-month assignment with an immediate start available, offering the opportunity to join a busy and supportive local government legal function handling a high-volume childcare caseload. The team advises on complex and sensitive matters impacting children and families and is looking for an experienced practitioner who can quickly integrate and provide immediate support.
The role requires office (occasional) and hearing attendance, though fully remote candidates will be considered on the basis a higher caseload is managed where advocacy responsibilities are not undertaken.
You will manage a full childcare caseload within a local authority setting with minimal supervision, advising social care teams and internal stakeholders on a range of public law childcare matters. Key responsibilities will also include:
- Conducting advocacy and attending hearings where required
- Drafting legal documents, applications and court pleadings
- Providing pragmatic legal advice to social workers and senior stakeholders
- Conducting legal research and advising on risk and case strategy
- Liaising with Counsel, courts and external parties where necessary
You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX professional holding a current practising certificate and be able to demonstrate the following:
- Significant experience handling local authority childcare matters
- Experience managing a full and varied childcare caseload independently
- Strong knowledge of public law children work and care proceedings
- Excellent advocacy skills and willingness to undertake their own hearings
- Strong drafting, communication and stakeholder management skills
- The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing deadlines
Applications are particularly welcomed from experienced local government childcare lawyers who can comfortably take over an existing caseload and make an immediate impact.
Competitive umbrella rate of £40-£60 per hour depending on experience. Initial 3-month contract with potential for extension. Flexible working arrangements, including consideration for fully remote working. Opportunity to work within an experienced and supportive local government legal team.
If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Solicitor (Childcare and Families) employer: Hays Legal
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