At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on children's social care and manage complex cases.
- Company: Dynamic legal team focused on child welfare in Greater London.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for career progression and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with extensive experience in child care law.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Senior Child Care Lawyer
We are seeking a talented and motivated Senior Child Care Lawyer to provide expert legal advice across a wide range of children's social care matters, lead on complex cases, and support the management and development of a dedicated Child Care team.
The Role
As a Senior Child Care Lawyer, you will be a trusted legal adviser to senior officers, elected members and Children's Services, delivering high-quality legal support on matters including:
- Child protection proceedings
- Public law children cases
- Adoption matters
- Children Act 1989 issues
- Care proceedings and related litigation
- Judicial reviews and complex public law matters
- Corporate parenting and safeguarding responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Provide specialist legal advice on all aspects of children's social care law.
- Conduct complex litigation and advocacy in court proceedings.
- Manage a demanding caseload of high-risk and high-profile matters.
- Advise senior officers, committees and elected members.
- Supervise and develop lawyers and legal assistants within the team.
- Assist in the operational management of the legal service.
- Draft and review reports, policies and strategic legal guidance.
- Support organisational decision-making while ensuring legal compliance.
- Deliver training and legal updates to internal stakeholders.
- Build effective relationships with external partners, counsel and stakeholders.
To be successful, you will be
- A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (FCILEX).
- An experienced child care lawyer with significant knowledge of children's social care law and practice.
- Confident handling complex care proceedings from inception through to final hearing.
- Skilled at providing pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice.
- Experienced in advocacy and court attendance across family law proceedings.
- Comfortable advising senior stakeholders and presenting complex legal issues clearly.
- An effective people manager or supervisor with the ability to develop and support others.
- Organised, resilient and capable of managing a varied and demanding workload.
Essential Experience
- Extensive experience of children's social care law within local government or a similar public sector environment.
- Experience conducting complex, high-risk child care cases.
- Experience advising senior leaders, boards, committees or elected members.
- Experience contributing to policy development and strategic decision-making.
- Experience supervising or mentoring legal staff.
- What's on Offer
- Opportunity to undertake challenging and meaningful legal work that directly impacts the lives of children and families.
- Exposure to complex and high-profile cases.
- Leadership and management responsibilities.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Professional development and career progression opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative legal team environment.
If you're looking for a senior legal role where you can combine technical excellence, advocacy, leadership and strategic influence, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior Lawyer PO6-PO7 (Child Care) in London employer: Jobiqo
Bromley Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a local government pension scheme and unique discounts, the Council prioritises employee well-being and career growth. Located in the vibrant Bromley Civic Centre, you will be part of a team that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the borough while enjoying the balance of urban and suburban life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer PO6-PO7 (Child Care) in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Jobiqo, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer PO6-PO7 (Child Care) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Jobiqo, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Jobiqo and the specific role of Senior Lawyer PO6-PO7 (Child Care). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Jobiqo’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobiqo
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Jobiqo.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Jobiqo.
