At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex public children law cases and provide high-quality legal advice.
- Company: Join a respected local authority legal service dedicated to safeguarding families.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Initial contract until October 2026 with potential for extension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Lawyer with strong public children law experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
You will be joining a well-established and highly regarded local authority legal service, recognised for delivering high-quality legal advice across a broad range of public sector matters. Operating at the heart of decision-making, the team plays a vital role in supporting the safeguarding and wellbeing of children and families, working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The service is collaborative, forward-thinking and committed to professional development, offering the opportunity to work on complex, meaningful cases within a supportive and well-resourced environment.
As a Senior Lawyer within the Children and Families team, you will manage a busy and varied caseload focused primarily on public children law, including section 31 care proceedings and Deprivation of Liberty matters. You will be responsible for handling complex and sensitive cases from start to finish, providing high-quality legal advice and representation, including advocacy in contested hearings. You will be supported by a Legal Officer, who will assist with case preparation, drafting and evidence gathering, alongside a dedicated business support team handling bundling and administrative tasks.
- Duration: Initial contract to end of October 2026 (with potential for extension)
- Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
- Working pattern: Hybrid (c. 1 day per week in the office, flexibility considered)
What you'll need to succeed:
- Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister (with litigation rights) or CILEX Lawyer (with advocacy certificate), with a current practising certificate
- Strong experience in public children law, including section 31 proceedings and related applications
- Proven advocacy skills, with confidence representing clients in contested hearings
- Excellent case management skills, with the ability to handle complex, high-volume workloads with minimal supervision
- Strong analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical advice on complex legal issues
Family Lawyer/Senior Lawyer in Manchester employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Join a well-established local authority legal service that prioritises the safeguarding and wellbeing of children and families. With a collaborative and forward-thinking work culture, you will have access to professional development opportunities while managing meaningful cases in a supportive environment. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid working pattern and a dedicated team that ensures you can focus on delivering high-quality legal advice and representation.
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Lawyer/Senior Lawyer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to family law. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence. Remember, showcasing your advocacy skills and case management experience is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role! We make it easy for you to showcase your qualifications and experience directly to the hiring team. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored to your expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Lawyer/Senior Lawyer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Family Lawyer role. Highlight your experience in public children law and any relevant advocacy skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in children's law and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your analytical and drafting skills. Provide examples of complex cases you've handled and how you provided clear, practical advice. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on public children law, especially section 31 proceedings. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that might come up during the interview. This shows your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to discuss your advocacy experience in contested hearings. Think of specific examples where you successfully represented clients and how you navigated complex situations. This will highlight your confidence and capability in the role.
✨Demonstrate Case Management Prowess
Be ready to talk about how you manage a busy caseload. Share strategies you use to stay organised and ensure high-quality outcomes for your clients. This is crucial for showing you can handle the demands of the position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, support structures, and professional development opportunities. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your career goals.
