At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex adult social care cases and provide expert legal advice.
- Company: Join Waltham Forest, a vibrant borough with a progressive legal service.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your management skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Legal Executive with relevant experience.
- Other info: This role includes supervising a team and participating in management meetings.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary Scale: PO8 - £57,663 - £60,819
Hybrid with 1-2 days (minimum) in the office.
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 Senior Lawyer, you'll represent the Adult Social Care department and be a specialist in your area. Part of our Lexcel-accredited practice, you'll be a key member of our dedicated Families team and an asset to the Council.
At this level, you'll manage a caseload of complex adult social care/community care matters and give expert advice to the Adult Social Care department. You'll also support the Principal Lawyers and Assistant Director by giving guidance on corporate issues and attending management meetings where required. It's a chance to help build good internal relationships - but your remit doesn't stop there. You'll also supervise a sub-team of legal professionals within the Family Team, undertaking 1-2-1s, appraisals, and training as well as recruitment.
To be considered, you must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or qualified Legal Executive with substantial post-qualification experience. Reporting to our Principal Lawyers, you will personally undertake high priority complex and/or sensitive legal work within the team's specialist areas. To excel, you'll need excellent communication skills, both written and oral. We'll also be looking for good ICT skills and ideally some understanding of Child Care law too. If you're aiming to develop management skills, this is the ideal way to gain experience. Day to day, you'll manage personnel and client liaison at a senior level.
Ready to boost your expertise and help us change a child's world every day? Apply now to be part of our supportive, welcoming team.
Please note that this role is subject to a Basic Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Equal Opportunities
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both 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.
For an informal discussion please contact Delina Teklehaymanot at or contact Delina on 07752 791 517 for further information.
Senior Lawyer (Family) 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 Senior Lawyer (Family)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who work in family law or adult social care. Attend relevant seminars or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges and opportunities in this area.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in adult social care law and child care law. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your management experience and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Highlight any training or mentoring roles you've undertaken, as this is crucial for the supervisory aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Waltham Forest Council’s values and recent initiatives related to diversity and inclusion. Being able to align your personal values with theirs can make a strong impression during your discussions with them.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer (Family)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Senior Lawyer in Adult Social Care. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and expectations outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in family law and adult social care. Emphasise your qualifications, post-qualification experience, and any management skills that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the impact you hope to make. Mention your communication skills, ICT proficiency, and understanding of Child Care law, as these are key attributes for the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your documents are clear and professional. This reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Waltham Forest
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Senior Lawyer, it's crucial to demonstrate your extensive knowledge in adult social care and family law. Prepare specific examples of complex cases you've handled and the outcomes, as this will highlight your capability to manage sensitive legal matters.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key for this role. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated with clients and colleagues in the past. Consider sharing instances where your communication skills led to successful resolutions or improved team dynamics.
✨Highlight Management Experience
Since you'll be supervising a sub-team, it's important to showcase any previous management experience. Discuss your approach to mentoring, conducting appraisals, and training team members, as well as how you foster a supportive work environment.
✨Understand the Council's Values
Familiarise yourself with Waltham Forest's commitment to diversity and equality. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values within the legal service, demonstrating your alignment with the council's objectives and culture.