At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle care proceedings and provide legal advice in a supportive team environment.
- Company: Join Waltham Forest, a vibrant borough committed to diversity and innovative legal services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, a £3,000 Golden Hello, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in child care law while working flexibly in a friendly team.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in child care law.
- Other info: The role includes an anonymous shortlisting process to promote equality.
The predicted salary is between 45750 - 55323 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Lawyer – Family Child Care role at London Borough of Waltham Forest.
Salary £45,750 to £55,323
Plus a Golden Hello Payment – £3,000
Full of energy and culture, Waltham Forest is a progressive and innovative borough with a Legal Service to match. We provide our diverse client departments with the best possible service through our highly skilled professionals. As a Lawyer in the Child Care sub team, you’ll bring your expertise to our Families Team. If you’re looking for an exciting new role in a fantastic corner of London, this could be your ideal opportunity.
Responsibilities
- Initiating and conducting care proceedings under the Children’s Act 1989.
- Handling a varied and challenging caseload including all aspects of care and adoption proceedings and advice work, as well as matters in pre-proceedings.
- Providing timely and accurate legal advice, managing a complex caseload and staying up to date with relevant legislation.
- You must therefore be a qualified solicitor or barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with considerable experience and PQE.
- With experience in another local authority or large organisation, you’ll have accurate knowledge of practice and procedure in relation to child care law including, care and adoption proceedings, and private law proceedings. Advocacy experience in a wide variety of care proceedings in the Family Court is also desirable or at least a willingness to develop this skill.
- We are looking for professionals with excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, and dedication to the job. You will work within a friendly, welcoming and supportive team where your professional development will be nurtured and appreciated day to day.
- With the determination to meet deadlines, you’ll work flexibly, including outside normal office hours if necessary.
Qualifications
- A qualified solicitor or barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with considerable experience and PQE.
- Experience in another local authority or large organisation with accurate knowledge of practice and procedure in relation to child care law including, care and adoption proceedings, and private law proceedings.
- Advocacy experience in a wide variety of care proceedings in the Family Court is desirable or at least a willingness to develop this skill.
Additional information
Please note that this role is subject to a Basic Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and integral to service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives: – Promoting equality of opportunity – Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage – Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels. – Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all. Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme. For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy.
Contact
For a confidential conversation about this role, please contact Brian Gallagher via brian.gallagher@penna.com or call 07716 098175.
Closing Date: 13th September
Interview Dates: 30th September, 1st, 2nd & 3rd October 2025
How to Apply
- Upload your CV under “Please select one of the options below.”
- Complete the short mandatory fields on the next page.
- Use ‘Add Attachments’ to upload your Supporting Statement and any other documents.
- Ensure both CV and Supporting Statement are uploaded before submitting your application.
You can download the role profile here: Job Description
Job details
- Seniority level – Associate
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Legal
Industries
- Legal Services
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and integral to service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is committed to equality of opportunity and operates practices to reduce bias in recruitment, including anonymous shortlisting and the Disability Confident scheme.
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Lawyer -Family Child Care employer: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Waltham Forest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer -Family Child Care
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legislation and procedures related to child care law, particularly the Children’s Act 1989. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in local authorities or large organisations. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential advocacy scenarios that may come up during the interview process. Practising your advocacy skills will show your willingness to develop in this area, which is a desirable trait for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Waltham Forest's diverse community and its legal service approach. Understanding the borough's values and how they align with your own can help you articulate why you're a great fit for their team during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer -Family Child Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Lawyer - Family Child Care position. Understand the responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Highlight your relevant experience in child care law, advocacy skills, and any specific cases you've handled. Use clear examples to demonstrate your expertise and how it aligns with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects your qualifications as a solicitor or barrister, along with your PQE. Emphasise your experience in local authorities or large organisations, particularly in care and adoption proceedings, to stand out.
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application process outlined in the job posting. Make sure to upload your CV and supporting statement correctly, and double-check that all mandatory fields are completed before submitting your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Waltham Forest
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Children’s Act 1989 and other relevant legislation. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to your previous cases and how you would approach similar situations in this role.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
If you have advocacy experience, be ready to share specific examples of your work in the Family Court. If not, express your willingness to develop these skills and discuss any related experiences that demonstrate your ability to argue effectively.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Highlight your excellent communication abilities during the interview. Use clear and concise language when answering questions, and consider providing examples of how you've successfully communicated complex legal concepts to clients or colleagues.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
Discuss your experience working in a team environment and your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Mention any instances where you’ve had to work outside normal hours to meet deadlines, showcasing your dedication to the role.