At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-quality legal services for children’s social care and safeguarding.
- Company: Award-winning Knowsley Council, committed to fair employment and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare proceedings and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We are looking for driven and passionate people to work with us to deliver real benefits for our residents and businesses and become part of the Knowsley Journey.
Location: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Municipal Buildings, Hybrid Working
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 36 hours per week
DBS Check: Yes
Closing Date: 28/09/2026 at 23:59
Reference: CVP 0701
Knowsley Council is an award-winning Local Authority, named Local Authority of the Year in the Municipal Journal Awards 2024. We are an Accredited employer under the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter, demonstrating that we are committed to the principle of fair employment and we are dedicated to providing a healthy, fair, inclusive and just workplace.
Are you passionate about supporting the delivery of high-quality legal services that make a positive difference to local communities? Do you have the skills and experience to provide a high quality, efficient, customer-orientated legal service to its clients, covering all aspects of the Council's children’s social care and children’s safeguarding functions?
You must be able to undertake professional legal work particularly in relation to childcare proceedings and other social services matters as may be allocated by the Principal Solicitor/Lawyer (People and Litigation) and/or the Senior Solicitor/Lawyer (Children’s and Adult’s Social Care).
We are looking for an experienced solicitor to join our People’s Services legal team. The focus of the post will be matters relating to the Council’s children’s social care and safeguarding functions, in particular public law childcare proceedings and advice to statutory panels and case management meetings.
The candidate must have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with internal clients at all levels and partner agencies, as well as the ability to provide supervision and direction to the workload of more junior fee earners within the team.
At Knowsley Council we will consider requests for flexible working. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, working from home, compressed hours, part-time. There is a requirement for you to attend your work base at least two days per week.
We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.
Please note sponsorship is not available for this role. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applicants.
At Knowsley we value our applicants and want them to feel well-informed and welcomed. If you have any questions about this specific job role or what it is like to work at Knowsley, please contact Katie Parker or alternatively Trevor Steele.
Assistant Solicitor employer: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Knowsley Council is an award-winning Local Authority that prioritises fair employment and inclusivity, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful work in the legal field. With a commitment to employee well-being and flexible working arrangements, we foster a supportive environment where staff can thrive and contribute to the community. Join us in delivering high-quality legal services while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth in a diverse workplace.
Contact Details:
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Solicitor
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council and the specific role of Assistant Solicitor. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
