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 children's lives while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister 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 Solicitor/ Senior Solicitor 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 Solicitor/ Senior Solicitor 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 role-playing with a friend or mentor to build your confidence. The more you rehearse, the more natural you'll feel when discussing your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for public children law during interviews. Share stories about your previous cases and how you’ve made a difference. We want to see your commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing, so let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Solicitor/ Senior Solicitor in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your expertise in public children law and any relevant advocacy experience to show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in family law and how your background aligns with our mission to support children and families. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Case Management Skills:Since you'll be managing a busy caseload, it’s important to demonstrate your case management abilities. Include examples of how you've successfully handled complex cases in the past, showing us your organisational skills and attention to detail.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
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 legal updates that might come up during the interview. This shows your commitment and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to discuss your 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 advocacy.
✨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, especially when handling sensitive cases. This will reassure them of your ability to work independently.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since the role involves collaboration, express your enthusiasm for working within a team. Share experiences where you’ve worked closely with colleagues or external partners to achieve positive results. This will show you’re a great fit for their supportive environment.
