At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on child protection and manage public law cases.
- Company: Join Wakefield Council's highly regarded Child Care Legal Team.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and a strong focus on work/life balance.
- Other info: Access to training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding children and supporting families.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal professional with experience or interest in childcare law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for a qualified legal professional to join our highly regarded Child Care Legal Team at Wakefield Council. This is a career grade role, offering a structured pathway for progression. Whether you are developing your expertise in childcare law or looking to take the next step in your career, you’ll be supported every step of the way within a collaborative and experienced team.
About the role
This is a genuinely rewarding opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding children and supporting families across the district.
- Provide clear, practical legal advice on child protection and family law matters
- Manage a caseload of public law proceedings, including care and supervision cases
- Prepare high-quality legal documentation and undertake advocacy appropriate to your level
- Work closely with social work teams and partners to support effective decision-making
- Contribute to service development and key projects within Legal Services
About you
We’re looking for passionate and committed legal professionals who want to make a difference. You will be:
- A qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate
- Experienced in childcare law or able to demonstrate strong transferable skills and a keen interest in the area
- A confident communicator who can build effective working relationships
- Solution‑focused, resilient, and able to work in a fast‑paced, supportive environment
Most importantly, you’ll share our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children and families. We are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and actively welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
Career development
This role offers:
- Appointment at a level aligned to your current experience
- A clear, supported progression pathway
- Access to high-quality training, mentoring, and development opportunities
- The chance to take on increasingly complex work as your skills develop
About Wakefield Council
Our Child Care Legal Team is highly regarded across the sector, with colleagues recognised at the Lawyers in Local Government Awards. You’ll be joining a team that is:
- Supportive and collaborative
- Passionate about delivering meaningful outcomes
- Committed to professional excellence and continuous improvement
Why join us
- A recognised leader in local government legal practice
- Flexible working and a strong focus on work/life balance
- Generous annual leave: 26 days plus bank holidays (rising with service)
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Supportive leadership and an inclusive culture
- Excellent wellbeing offer, including:
- Discounted leisure memberships (including a free 12‑week PT programme)
- Retail, travel, and entertainment discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounted public transport (Arriva, Northern, MetroCard)
Join us and help shape better outcomes for children and families across Wakefield.
Contact Name: Victoria Swithenbank
Tel: 07917 504188
E-mail: vswithenbank@wakefield.gov.uk
Senior Lawyer (Career Grade) – Childcare Team employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Wakefield Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment within our highly regarded Child Care Legal Team. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to work/life balance, we provide generous annual leave and a comprehensive wellbeing offer, making it an ideal place for legal professionals passionate about safeguarding children and supporting families in the community.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
