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- Tasks: Provide legal advice on child protection matters and support local authorities.
- Company: Join nplaw, a supportive public sector legal service in Norwich.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in child protection law while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Law degree or CILEx Level 3 qualification, with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 33699 £ per year.
We are looking for Legal Officers to join nplaw’s Child Protection Team and provide expert legal advice and support to local authority clients in all areas of child protection law. The team is friendly and supportive with a focus on nurturing and advancing professional development.
The Child Protection Team is part of nplaw, a public sector shared legal service with extensive experience advising local government, the public sector, charities and schools. We deliver a wide range of legal services through specialist lawyers who understand the local government context.
Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice and support on a broad range of child protection matters, ensuring stakeholder and client expectations are met.
- Understand, or develop an understanding of, the legal procedures, resources and systems to undertake straightforward legal transactions and casework.
- Work closely with Solicitors and Senior Legal Officers.
- Obtain and draft basic pleadings, including consent orders and statements of facts.
- Prepare and draft basic legal documents and upload to the family platform.
- Ensure that Court Bundles are compliant with PD27A and updated for courts and other relevant parties; receive documentation and add to the bundle where relevant.
- Attend meetings and court hearings when requested to take notes.
- Ensure deadlines and order time limits are complied with by chasing and reminding clients and third parties.
- Progress court directions for disclosure and information from third parties.
Qualifications and Skills
- A law degree or CILEx Level 3 qualification (or working towards CILEx Level 3), or an equivalent qualification or experience.
- Good knowledge of the law or a willingness to learn a new subject area.
- First-class communication and organisational skills and excellent client care.
Development and Opportunities
There is a strong opportunity to learn and develop skills with support from a talented team and a structured approach to long-term career development, including the possibility of qualifying as a solicitor if desired. Applications are welcome from candidates at any stage of their career, including those returning after a career break or seeking to transition to this area of law.
Working Arrangements
Open to part-time, full-time and flexible working. We operate in a hybrid model with some home/remote work and some time at our base at County Hall, Norwich, as well as attendance at court where appropriate. None of these roles are fully remote.
We offer variety, challenging and high-impact cases, and opportunities to progress within an award-winning legal service. We emphasise work-life balance and flexible, smarter working arrangements supported by leading-edge technology. We provide wellbeing support, including a buddy system for new starters, trained mental health first aiders and an employee helpline and counselling service. We strive for a diverse workforce where everyone can bring their whole self to work.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Health and wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and free counselling
- Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part-time, remote and hybrid working (depending on role and business needs)
- Financial benefits such as Norfolk Rewards discounts, Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers, relocation expenses (where applicable), travel expense advances, Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service and dependants’ pensions
- Tax-efficient options for extras such as pension enhancements and bike schemes
- Access to a tax-efficient car lease scheme for greener travel (subject to eligibility)
How to Apply
Before you apply, read the full Job Description and Person Specification to help demonstrate you meet the criteria.
Legal Officer (9514) in Norwich employer: Norfolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Norfolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Officer (9514) in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at nplaw and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on child protection law. We should be ready to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation. Showing that we’re informed will definitely impress the hiring team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, let’s rehearse how we’d explain complex legal concepts in simple terms. Clear communication is key in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our application to highlight how our skills match the job description perfectly.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Officer (9514) in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what the role involves and how your skills fit in. Highlight any relevant experience or qualifications that match what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Legal Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re the perfect fit for our Child Protection Team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Legal Officer, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely. Whether it’s through your writing style or examples of past experiences, let us see your skills shine!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norfolk County Council
✨Know Your Child Protection Law
Make sure you brush up on child protection law before the interview. Familiarise yourself with key legal principles and recent cases that might come up in conversation. This will show your commitment to the role and your understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Legal Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex legal concepts in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and build rapport.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific legal scenarios or casework. Think through some hypothetical situations related to child protection and be ready to discuss your approach. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and practical knowledge.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, or the types of cases you might work on. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
