Senior Children & Families Lawyer Grade 10

b Overview /b p In this Senior Lawyer role you lead complex children and families cases within the council’s legal group, balancing advocacy with strategic advice. You’ll support Children’s Services and partner bodies, shaping safeguarding outcomes and service developments. The work combines high-stakes litigation, policy input, and coaching for junior lawyers. This is an opportunity to impact local outcomes for children while working in a nationally recognised public sector team. /p b Pay / Benefits /b ul li Flexible working arrangements /li li Excellent professional development and career progression /li li Supportive and collaborative team culture /li /ul b Responsibilities /b ul li Manage a complex caseload of children’s social care and safeguarding matters /li li Provide expert legal advice to Children’s Services and partner organisations /li li Advocate and represent the Council in contested proceedings where appropriate /li li Advise on complex local government and childrens services issues /li li Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders and client departments /li li Support and mentor junior lawyers and assist in team development /li li Deliver training and guidance to clients and stakeholders /li li Contribute to service-wide initiatives, strategy development and continuous improvement /li li Demonstrate sound judgment and political awareness in sensitive, high-profile matters /li /ul b Key requirements /b ul li Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Chartered Lawyer or CILEX Fellow with current practising certificate /li li Significant experience advising on children and families law matters /li li Experience managing complex, high-value and sensitive legal cases /li li Strong advocacy, drafting and advisory skills /li li Sound understanding of local government practice and decision-making /li li Ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and client departments /li li Experience supporting or mentoring junior colleagues /li li Commitment to continuing professional development and service improvement /li li Genuine passion for public service and improving outcomes for children and families /li /ul ul li Relationship building with senior stakeholders /li li Strong communication and advisory capabilities /li li Mentoring and coaching /li li Advocacy and litigation in children and families matters /li li Legal drafting and advisory skills /li li Knowledge of local government practice and decision-making /li /ul