At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on child protection and manage complex cases.
- Company: Milton Keynes City Council, dedicated to safeguarding and community support.
- Benefits: Supportive culture, potential for home working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on high-quality legal work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and adults in your community.
- Qualifications: Legal qualification and experience in local government law and child protection.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Job Introduction
We’re recruiting a Senior Lawyer to join our social care legal team, Law and Governance service at Milton Keynes City Council.
This is a role where you’ll provide clear, timely and trusted legal advice on child protection matters.
The team supports the local authority in its safeguarding duties for children and adults.
This ensures that children and adults receive the right support to ensure their needs are met.
The work is extremely important to ensure that the social care teams make safe and lawful decisions for the children and adults in our area.
In this role, you’ll help colleagues make well-informed decisions that protect local people and support good governance.
You’ll work closely with the Principal Lawyer, Deputy Principal Lawyer, social care colleagues, barristers, external solicitors and partner organisations.
It’s a rewarding role for someone who values high-quality legal work and wants to make a difference for Milton Keynes.
We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative, and we’re looking for someone who can bring those values into their legal practice every day.
This role may be suitable for home working
Following an assessment. Home‑based roles require a minimum of one day per week working from the office or site.
Interviews for this role will be held on 25th August 2026
At Milton Keynes City Council, we aim to make a difference every day.
We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We act as one council, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities while tackling inequalities and supporting people to thrive.
We take pride in our supportive work culture and try to go that extra mile when it comes to investing in our colleagues.
- Find out more about working with us here: www. mkcounciljobs. org. uk
- Role Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality legal advice and services that support child protection work and help the Council meet its objectives.
- Manage medium and high-level child protection cases, making sure work is completed to a high standard and delivered on time.
- Undertake advocacy in court where appropriate, supporting your own matters and wider team priorities when needed.
- Take responsibility for cases from instruction through to completion, giving clear written and verbal advice throughout.
- Build strong working relationships with internal colleagues, external solicitors, barristers and partner organisations.
- Support the Principal Lawyer and Deputy Principal Lawyer by helping to supervise junior lawyers and paralegals and contribute to team performance targets.
- The Ideal Candidate
- Your legal qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister, Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, or equivalent relevant qualification, is essential.
- Experience in local government law and child protection work will help you make a strong contribution from the start.
- A strong understanding of complex legal matters will support safe, lawful and well-reasoned decision making.
- Confidence when drafting legal documents and explaining complex information in plain English is important.
- Proven skills in managing pressure, meeting deadlines and negotiating complex matters will help you succeed.
- An approach that is dedicated, respectful and collaborative will help you work well with colleagues, partners and local services.
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Senior Lawyer - Social Care (Child Protection) in Milton Keynes employer: Milton Keynes City Council
Milton Keynes City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community through its Family Centre services. With a strong focus on collaboration and respect, employees are empowered to lead initiatives that support families and children, ensuring they receive vital early help. The work culture fosters professional growth and development, providing opportunities to engage with diverse community partners and make a lasting difference in the lives of residents across Milton Keynes.
Contact Details:
Milton Keynes City Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer - Social Care (Child Protection) in Milton Keynes
✨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.
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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 Milton Keynes City 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 Senior Lawyer - Social Care (Child Protection) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Milton Keynes City 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 Milton Keynes City Council and the specific role of Senior Lawyer - Social Care (Child Protection). 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 Milton Keynes City Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milton Keynes City 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 Milton Keynes City 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 Milton Keynes City Council.
