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- Tasks: Prepare and advocate cases in child and adult safeguarding law.
- Company: Join one of the largest legal practices in Kirklees, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Great staff benefits, training opportunities, and support for personal development.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on local communities while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in public law and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This position is being advertised for Principal Lawyers with optional areas of focus: Principal Lawyer – Adult Focus and Principal Lawyer – Children Focus. Candidates may specify whether they are seeking an adult service role or children’s focus role.
Do you want to make a difference to local people? As one of the largest legal practices in the area, our dedicated Legal Service teams strive to get the best outcomes for people in Kirklees.
The Safeguarding Children and Adults Team is one of the specialist teams within Kirklees Legal Services. We act for the council on a range of matters including Public Law Proceedings relating to children and cases in relation to vulnerable adults in the Court of Protection. We work closely with the council’s social work teams who provide services to vulnerable children and adults.
As part of this role, you will be expected to prepare cases for court using our excellent case management and court bundling systems. You will also appear as an advocate and instruct counsel where required, specifically within the field of child safeguarding and/or adult social care and safeguarding. We are looking for someone with a positive approach who enjoys working as part of a team. You will be supported by our Senior Lawyers, Assistant Legal Officers and Business Support team.
If you are ambitious to develop your skills and knowledge in legal services, and want to know more about the legal issues that affect local authorities – this is the role for you. We put a strong emphasis on training and personal development, and want to support you to be the best you can be.
You will be a qualified Solicitor (or Barrister) holding a current practising certificate, or you will be a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives who holds a Civil Proceedings Certificate (or who is a Legal Executive Advocate). You will also have the ability and experience of drafting application forms and complex court documentation to support Local Authority applications in public law children act proceedings and applications in the Court of Protection.
We are looking for someone with experience in at least one of the following areas, but experience in more than one area would be beneficial:
- 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
- Advocacy in public & private children proceedings
- Advocacy in public or private law adoption or special guardianship applications
- Judicial Review/Administrative Law
Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community. In return, we will make sure you are rewarded with a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work.
Principal Lawyer - Children and Adults Safeguarding Team - Childrens OR Adults Focus Back in Huddersfield employer: Kirklees Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Children and Adults Safeguarding Team - Childrens OR Adults Focus Back 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 your knowledge of the Children Act and Care Act. We want you to showcase your expertise and passion for safeguarding during those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that align with your interests, whether it’s children or adults. Tailor your approach to show how you can make a real difference in Kirklees.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Children and Adults Safeguarding Team - Childrens OR Adults Focus Back in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in either children or adult safeguarding. We want to see how your skills align with the specific focus you're interested in, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Legal Expertise: When writing your application, emphasise your qualifications and experience in drafting complex court documents. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you’ve done in this area.
Demonstrate Team Spirit: We value collaboration, so share examples of how you’ve worked effectively within a team. Highlighting your positive approach and teamwork will show us you’re a great fit for our supportive environment.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation relevant to the role, such as the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show your expertise and commitment to safeguarding.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your advocacy experience, especially in public law proceedings or cases involving vulnerable adults. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you made a significant impact, as this will highlight your practical skills.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with social work teams, be prepared to talk about your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the team. Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the team measures success in safeguarding cases.