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- Tasks: Prepare court cases and advocate for vulnerable children and adults in safeguarding matters.
- Company: Join one of the largest legal practices in Kirklees, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Strong emphasis on training, personal development, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team with opportunities for growth in legal services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safeguarding while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in public law and court documentation.
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 or Principal Lawyer – Children Focus. Candidates may specify whether they are seeking an adult service role or children’s focus role.
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
Principal Lawyer - Children and Adults Safeguarding Team - Childrens OR Adults Focus Back employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Contact Detail:
Kirklees Metropolitan 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
✨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 that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current safeguarding laws and practices. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions related to children and adult safeguarding scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safeguarding in every conversation. Whether it’s during an interview or a casual chat, let your enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals come through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Children and Adults Safeguarding Team - Childrens OR Adults Focus Back
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 detailing your qualifications, be clear about your legal background and any relevant certifications. We’re looking for qualified Solicitors or Barristers, so let us know how you meet these requirements!
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since we value collaboration, share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting. Whether it’s with social workers or other legal professionals, teamwork is key in our environment.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children Act 1989 and any relevant legislation related to adult safeguarding. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your past experiences where you've successfully advocated for vulnerable clients. This could be in court or during negotiations. Highlighting these moments will demonstrate your capability and passion for safeguarding.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with how the Safeguarding Children and Adults Team operates. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to team success and collaborate effectively with social work teams and other legal professionals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the council's approach to safeguarding. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.