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- Tasks: Manage your own caseload in child protection law, including care proceedings and court advocacy.
- Company: Join LAW Absolute, a leading recruitment agency for legal professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay of £35-£50/hour and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or CILEX lawyer with experience in children's social care.
- Other info: This is a temporary role based in Berkshire, with potential for extension.
Are you ready to take on your next career challenge?
LAW Absolute is recruiting on an exclusive basis to a permanent Childcare Lawyer position with a local authority based in East London.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to achieve a genuine work /life balance whilst doing challenging and interesting work.
Caseloads in the council are much more manageable compared to neighbouring boroughs and you will be able to hold varied and challenging cases, whilst still working within office hours.
In your role as a childcare lawyer at the council, you will have the benefit of working within a team where there is excellent business admin and legal assistant support and collaboration.
You will have the advantage of being part of a team of experienced lawyers who work collaboratively to share knowledge and information, in which everyone pulls together to help each other.
You will be part of a dynamic working environment where diversity in all respects is genuinely valued and promoted, so that you are constantly learning and inspired by colleagues from various professional backgrounds and lived experiences.
About the council
The council is s an ambitious, collegiate, and forward-thinking council and one that has gone through a period of modernisation and transformation. This is the perfect time to join a council ready to make a real difference and are moving in the right direction by putting resources where they are needed.
The council offices are located close to superb transport links, a plethora of shops and restaurants and nice offices.
The team are collaborative, supportive, and friendly. You will benefit from working alongside experienced colleagues who are generous with sharing their knowledge.
The council operate a hybrid working policy. Full- time staff work 2 days in the office and 3 days from home.
The role offers a salary of £52,194- £55,323 per annum.
If you are interested in working for an organisation that places huge value on equality and diversity, prides itself on delivering an excellent quality service, and you are looking for a chance to play a part in this interesting area of law and period of modernisation then this could be the right role for you.
About the position
Childcare Lawyers at the council are expected to undertake the following duties:
• Provide advice, representation and undertake research relating to childcare matters, including public law care proceedings, adoption, and child protection and fostering.
• Carry a caseload of matters in proceedings and pre – proceeding.
• An option to undertake advocacy on your own cases, if you choose to do so, in the relevant courts and tribunals to include, CMC’s, IRH’s, PLO’s and Directions Hearings. Advocacy experience is advantageous.
• Prepare briefs to Counsel.
• Attend legal planning meetings when required.
The successful candidate will be required to pick up a caseload from the outset. It is important you have previous experience carrying a full and varied childcare caseload. Candidates from both the public and private sector with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
About you
The successful Childcare Lawyer will be an admitted Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX (must have litigation rights) of England and Wales and a current practising certificate.
You will be ambitious, a team player, driven by delivering a high-quality service, and have a positive attitude towards building relationships with social workers and your wider team. It is important that anyone joining the council is committed to this area of law and has a genuine enthusiasm for the work. The council is committed to delivering excellence.
The ability to work under pressure is imperative and be self-motivated and able to work to deadlines.
Have significant experience of and ability to operate IT systems.
To register your interest in this role, please send your updated CV to
Working through LAW Absolute
As the first recruitment agency to specialise only in placing interim lawyers, LAW Absolute has a long history in supporting lawyers who want to work flexibly and in control of their career.
We are able to offer our contractors a range of challenging opportunities across private practice, corporates, financial services and within the not-for-profit sector. With over 20 years of placing contract lawyers in these markets, we have built excellent networks and many of the lawyers that we work with are contract lawyers that we have successfully placed on multiple assignments, allowing them to work with autonomy and build their career in the way they choose to. For our clients, we have worked closely with legal teams to help them plan and manage delivery of their services in a more efficient way in terms of resources, costs and timescales.
To find out more about how LAW Absolute can assist you, or your team, through flexible working, please contact us or visit www.lawabsolute.com
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
At LAW Absolute we endeavour to respond to all applications within 48 hours. However due to the volume of applications we receive we may not be able to respond to every candidate individually.
If you have not heard from us within a 48 hour timeframe your application has not been successful and your details have not been retained. LAW Absolute acts as an employment business for temporary recruitment and as an employment agency for fixed term contract and permanent recruitment.
Childcare Lawyer employer: LAW Absolute
Contact Detail:
LAW Absolute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Childcare Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local authority's recent cases and policies in Berkshire. This will not only help you understand their specific needs but also give you a solid foundation for discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of childcare law, especially those who work within local authorities. Attend relevant legal seminars or workshops to make connections that could lead to referrals or insider information about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your advocacy experience in detail. Since the role requires court appearances, be ready to share specific examples of your courtroom successes and how you've handled challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure you can demonstrate your understanding of the Children Act and related legislation. Being well-versed in these areas will show your commitment and readiness for the role, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a solicitor, barrister, or CILEX lawyer. Emphasise your experience in children's social care and any relevant advocacy work you've done in court.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the requirements of the Childcare Lawyer position. Mention your familiarity with care proceedings, DOLS, and EPOs, and express your willingness to attend in-person meetings in Berkshire.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your previous experience within local authorities and child protection law. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role.
Check Application Details: Before submitting your application, double-check all details for accuracy. Ensure you have included your CV and cover letter, and confirm that you are available on no more than a 4-week notice period.
How to prepare for a job interview at LAW Absolute
✨Know Your Childcare Law
Brush up on your knowledge of childcare law, especially in relation to care proceedings, DOLS, and EPOs. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show your expertise and commitment to the field.
✨Demonstrate Advocacy Skills
Since advocacy in court is highly desirable, prepare to discuss your previous experiences in this area. Be ready to provide examples of cases where you successfully represented clients and how you handled challenges during those proceedings.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Authority Work
Understand the specific challenges and responsibilities that come with working in a local authority setting. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experience aligns with the needs of the team and the community they serve.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As you'll be working in a team of child protection lawyers, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked well in teams before and how you can contribute positively to the team's dynamics.