At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and advocate cases in safeguarding for children and adults.
- Company: Join Kirklees Metropolitan Council, a leading legal practice dedicated to community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous staff benefits, and strong emphasis on training and development.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in public law and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 56494 £ 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.
Do you have any experience in 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
- 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. To help us achieve our ambitions, we want the best possible team. In return, we will make sure you are rewarded with a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work.
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Principal Lawyer - Safeguarding: Children & Adults in Huddersfield employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community of Huddersfield. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive work culture, we offer our Principal Lawyers opportunities to grow their skills while working collaboratively within a specialist team focused on safeguarding vulnerable children and adults. Our comprehensive benefits package ensures that employees are well-supported both personally and professionally, making this a rewarding place to advance your legal career.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Safeguarding: Children & 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. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Children Act and Care Act. Show us you’re not just a qualified lawyer but someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Kirklees Legal Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Safeguarding: Children & Adults in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in safeguarding, whether it's for children or adults. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant cases you've worked on!
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills:Since you'll be appearing as an advocate, it’s crucial to demonstrate your advocacy experience in your application. Share specific examples of cases where you’ve made a difference, especially in public law proceedings.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We’re all about teamwork here at StudySmarter! Make sure to mention your collaborative experiences and how you’ve worked alongside social work teams or other legal professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team and making a difference in Kirklees.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation relevant to safeguarding, such as the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you understand their practical implications in your role.
✨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 demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since the role involves working closely with social work teams, highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Share stories that illustrate how you've successfully worked as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes for clients.
✨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 the role aligns with your career goals.
