At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a supportive team as a Childcare Lawyer handling complex cases.
- Company: A local authority in South London focused on community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with just one office visit per month and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while growing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Must have local government experience and a current practising certificate.
- Other info: Applications are welcome from all candidates demonstrating necessary skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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
Make sure to highlight your local government experience during any networking opportunities. Connect with professionals in the field through LinkedIn or local legal events, as personal recommendations can significantly boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific cases and legislation mentioned in the job description, such as the Children Act. Being able to discuss these topics confidently in conversations will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the local authority to gain insights into their work culture and expectations. This knowledge can help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising answers to common questions related to childcare law and your experience with complex caseloads. Being well-prepared will help you convey your skills effectively and leave a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Childcare Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the requirements of the Childcare Lawyer position. Familiarise yourself with local government experience and the specific legal areas mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, particularly in handling complex caseloads related to PLO, adoption, and the Children Act. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that outlines your motivation for applying and how your skills align with the role. Mention your current practising certificate and any relevant achievements in childcare law.
Follow Up: After submitting your application, consider sending a polite follow-up email if you haven't heard back within a week. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.
How to prepare for a job interview at LAW Absolute
✨Showcase Your Local Government Experience
Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had within local government. Discuss specific cases or projects you've worked on that relate to childcare law, as this experience is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Case Management Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex caseloads, particularly in Public Law Outline (PLO) and proceedings. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed similar cases in the past.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on the Children Act and other relevant legislation before the interview. Being able to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios will show your depth of knowledge and preparedness for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork and Supportive Nature
Since the role is within a supportive and collegiate team, be prepared to talk about your experiences working collaboratively with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment in previous positions.