At a Glance
- Tasks: Safeguard children and adults through litigation, providing vital legal support.
- Company: Join Kirklees Metropolitan Council, a leading legal practice dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, hybrid working, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with strong emphasis on training and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with relevant practice rights.
The predicted salary is between 41771 - 50269 £ per year.
Candidates may specify whether they are seeking an adult service role or children’s focus role. This role has three positions, please specify in your application which role you’re applying for:
- 1 maternity cover post
- 1 permanent full-time post – adult focus
- 1 permanent part-time post (24 hours) – adult focus
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 our safeguarding children and adult services. We will consider newly qualified applicants to this role who are enthusiastic and committed to a career in our service.
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 applications in respect of 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.
The primary focus of this role is safeguarding children and adult litigation.
If you are applying for the temporary maternity cover post, you will have the option of choosing either children litigation or adult litigation or a combination of both. The permanent full-time post and the permanent part-time posts are adult litigation posts. If you are applying for these posts, you will conduct and manage a case load comprising of proceedings in the Court of Protection. You will be expected to provide advice and representation on a variety of matters including conducting your own advocacy at hearings and instructing counsel where required. This role is a hybrid role and will require attendance at in-person meetings and hearings as well as some office-based days.
We are looking for someone who is a qualified, or soon to be qualified solicitor holding a current practising certificate, a barrister, or a fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and holds either practice rights in Civil Litigation and Advocacy (for the Adult Focus) or practice rights in Family Litigation and Advocacy (for the Children Focus).
We are looking for someone with some 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 2005
- Advocacy in public & private children proceedings
- Advocacy in public or private law adoption or special guardianship applications
- Judicial Review/Administrative Law
We are looking for someone who can produce or has experience of drafting application forms and other Court documentation to support Local Authority Applications in respect of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. For newly qualified lawyers/solicitors we would look for time spent working on cases of this type under the supervision of other lawyers and assisting on those types of cases and can demonstrate an aptitude for the work in the future.
If you are ambitious and wish to develop your skills and knowledge in legal services and want to know more about the legal issues that affect a large local authority – this is the role for you. We place a strong emphasis on training and personal development and want to support you to be the best you can be. As well as opportunities for you to learn and develop your skills, you’ll also have the chance to share your knowledge and experience to help others in the team develop. You will be supported by an experienced team of Principal and Senior Lawyers, Assistant Legal officers and our business support colleagues.
Kirklees Council offers these benefits to all its employees:
- 27.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 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 that offers a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments
- Hybrid working
We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email jobs@kirklees.gov.uk or phone 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date: 01 June 2026, 11:55 PM
Company: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Salary: £41,771 to £50,269
Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Sector: Corporate Services
Sector: Legal
Job Role: Solicitor
Safeguarding Litigator – Children & Adults in Huddersfield employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of local people through its safeguarding services. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth. Located in Huddersfield, the council offers a hybrid working model, ensuring flexibility while fostering a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Litigator – Children & Adults in Huddersfield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Safeguarding Children and Adults Team. Understanding their work and values will help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your advocacy skills! Since this role involves conducting your own advocacy, it’s a good idea to brush up on those skills. Maybe even do a mock hearing with a friend to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Be clear about your focus! When applying, specify whether you're interested in children or adult services. This shows that you’re serious about the role and have thought about where you can make the most impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Litigator – Children & Adults in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Specify Your Role:Make sure to clearly state whether you're applying for the adult service role, children's focus role, or the maternity cover post. This helps us understand where you see yourself fitting in our team!
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight any relevant experience you have with safeguarding children and adults, especially in areas like Public Law Proceedings or the Court of Protection. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Be Authentic:When writing your supporting statement, be genuine about your experiences and motivations. We value authenticity and want to know what drives you to work in safeguarding.
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 you’re passionate about.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you clearly understand whether you're applying for the adult service role or the children's focus role. Tailor your responses to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the specific position you're interested in.
✨Brush Up on Relevant Legislation
Familiarise yourself with key legislation such as the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014, and Mental Capacity Act 2005. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to safeguarding practices and how you've engaged with them in your previous roles or studies.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since the role involves conducting your own advocacy at hearings, be ready to share examples of your advocacy experience. Discuss any relevant cases you've worked on, focusing on your approach and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in this area.
✨Express Your Commitment to Development
The team values personal development, so convey your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the role. Share any training or professional development you've pursued, and express your eagerness to contribute to the team's knowledge-sharing culture.
