At a Glance
- Tasks: Safeguard children and adults through litigation, providing advice and representation in court.
- Company: Join Kirklees Metropolitan Council, a leading legal practice dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days annual leave, hybrid working, and exceptional family leave policies.
- Other info: Strong emphasis on training and personal development in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with practice rights in relevant areas.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Position Details: 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
About the role: 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 is 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 who are enthusiastic and committed to a career in our service.
The team: 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 role: The primary focus of this role is safeguarding children and adult litigation.
Maternity Cover: 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.
Permanent Posts: 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.
What you will bring: 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). 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 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.
Development: 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.
Your benefits:
- 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.
Learn more about Kirklees Council Staff Benefits.
Safeguarding Litigator – Children & Adults (Hybrid) 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. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while the council's commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in its extensive healthcare benefits and family-friendly policies.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Litigator – Children & Adults (Hybrid)
✨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 relevant legislation and case studies. Show us you know your stuff about the Children Act and Mental Capacity Act – it’ll impress the interviewers!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage with the organisation! Follow Kirklees Council on social media, comment on their posts, and show genuine interest in their work. It’s a great way to stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
When you apply through our website, make sure to specify which role you’re interested in. Whether it’s children or adult focus, clarity will help us match you with the right position!
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Litigator – Children & Adults (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear About Your Role Preference:When applying, make sure to specify whether you're interested in the adult service role, children's focus role, or both. This helps us understand where you see yourself making the biggest impact!
Showcase Relevant Experience:Highlight any experience you have with the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014, or similar areas. We want to see how your background aligns with the safeguarding work we do here at Kirklees.
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the specific role you're applying for. Use language from the job description and demonstrate your enthusiasm for safeguarding children and adults.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on board with our amazing team!
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.
✨Show Your Passion for Safeguarding
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and adults. Share specific examples from your experience that showcase your commitment to safeguarding and how you’ve contributed to positive outcomes in similar situations.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios related to safeguarding litigation. Think through potential cases you might encounter and how you would approach them. This will show your analytical skills and readiness to handle the challenges of the role.
