At a Glance
- Tasks: Safeguard children and adults through litigation and advocacy in court.
- Company: One of the largest legal practices in Kirklees, dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, hybrid working, and access to employee healthcare.
- Other info: Strong focus on training and personal development in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with relevant experience in safeguarding law.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Do you want to make a difference to local people? As one of the largest legal practices in the area, our dedicated teams strive to get the best outcomes for people in Kirklees. This role forms part of our ongoing commitment to building a modern service to meet the needs of safeguarding children and adult services.
The primary focus of this role is safeguarding children and adult litigation, acting on behalf of the council in matters including Public Law Proceedings relating to children and applications in respect of vulnerable adults in the Court of Protection. You will work closely with the council’s social work teams who provide services to vulnerable children and adults.
If you are applying for the temporary maternity cover post, you will have the option of choosing either children litigation, adult litigation or a combination of both. The permanent full‑time and part‑time posts are adult litigation posts. If you are applying for these posts, you will conduct and manage a case load comprising proceedings in the Court of Protection, provide advice and representation on a variety of matters, conduct your own advocacy at hearings, and instruct counsel where required. This hybrid role requires attendance at in‑person meetings and hearings as well as some office‑based days.
We are looking for someone who is a qualified solicitor holding a current practising certificate, a barrister, or a fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives who holds either practice rights in Civil Litigation and Advocacy (adult focus) or practice rights in Family Litigation and Advocacy (children focus). We consider newly qualified applicants who are enthusiastic and committed to a career in our service.
Relevant experience includes at least one of the following areas:
- Children Act 1989 – Public & Private Law Applications
- Adoption and Children Act 2002 – Public & Private Law Applications
- Care Act 2014
- Mental Health Act 1983
- Community Care, Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Advocacy in public & private children proceedings
- Advocacy in public or private law adoption or special guardianship applications
- Judicial Review / Administrative Law
Applicants should also have experience producing or drafting application forms and other court documentation to support local authority applications in respect of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, or, for newly qualified lawyers, a demonstrated aptitude for such work under the supervision of other lawyers.
If you are ambitious and wish to develop your skills and knowledge in legal services and want to learn more about the legal issues that affect a large local authority, this role offers strong emphasis on training and personal development. You will be supported by an experienced team of principal and senior lawyers, assistant legal officers, and our business support colleagues.
Benefits include:
- 27.5 days annual leave, increasing to 32.5 days after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Travel and parking discounts
- Exceptional maternity and paternity leave policies
- Local Government Pension
- Access to employee healthcare (counselling, physiotherapy, health assessments)
- Hybrid working
Lawyer - Safeguarding Children or Adults in Huddersfield employer: Kirklees Council
As a leading legal practice in Kirklees, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of local people through our safeguarding services for children and adults. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth with extensive training opportunities and a commitment to personal development, alongside generous benefits such as 27.5 days of annual leave, hybrid working options, and exceptional family leave policies. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and empowers you to excel in your legal career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer - Safeguarding Children or Adults in Huddersfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in safeguarding. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on relevant legislation and case law. Show us that you're not just passionate about safeguarding but also knowledgeable about the legal framework surrounding it.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, and it makes it easier for us to keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer - Safeguarding Children or Adults in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in safeguarding children and adults. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant cases or projects you've worked on!
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you’re passionate about safeguarding and working with vulnerable groups. A personal touch can really make your application stand out, so share any experiences that fuel your commitment to this important work.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with key legislation relevant to safeguarding children and adults, such as the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show your understanding of the role and its responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your advocacy experience, especially in public law proceedings or cases involving vulnerable individuals. Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively represented clients in court and navigated complex legal situations.
✨Understand the Council's Role
Research the specific challenges and priorities of the council in Kirklees. Demonstrating knowledge about their current initiatives and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the types of cases you might handle. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
