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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court.
- Company: Join Manchester City Council, a vibrant local authority making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, a buzzing pension, and fantastic perks.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in children's and families' legal services while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with advocacy rights required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
About The Role
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Contract type: Permanent, full time
- Closing date: 11.59pm, 3 May 2026
- Interview method: in person
- Application method: please apply online, uploading an anonymised CV and detailed Expression of Interest setting out how your skills and experience meet the requirements on the attached role profile
- Right to work: Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
This role is subject to:
- Legal right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
- 2 references – where possible, we require 3 years' history.
- Qualification – Qualified solicitor, barrister with litigation conduct authorisation, Chartered Lawyer or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with advocacy and litigation conduct practising rights.
- DBS clearance – This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Responsibilities
- Work well in a team but can also plan and complete your own work with minimal supervision.
- Manage your own caseload and time effectively.
- Draft legal documentation and provide advice to clients; excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
- Represent the local authority at court on a regular basis; advocacy is a substantial part of the role.
About the Candidate
- Have knowledge of the law relating to children and families or be willing to develop your knowledge.
- Be able to develop advocacy skills to represent the Council in complex contested proceedings.
- Be a qualified solicitor, barrister with litigation conduct authorisation, Chartered Lawyer or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with advocacy and litigation conduct practising rights.
- Be able and committed to work in a flexible manner, including outside normal office hours when required.
- Be a key member of the group, confident and able to work independently and act upon your own initiative.
- Be able to evidence personal commitment to continuous self‑development and service improvement.
About Us
We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.
Our Manchester Behaviours
- We take time to listen and understand.
- We work together and trust each other.
- We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly.
- We “own it” and we’re not afraid to try new things.
- We’re proud and passionate about Manchester.
Benefits we offer
- Generous holiday allowance: Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
- A buzzing pension: Enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three‑times your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave: Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your newborn or support your family during critical life events.
- Brilliant perks: Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests.
- Learn and grow: Dedicated to nurturing talent; provide learning opportunities, workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications. Includes a comprehensive onboarding process.
- A Good Employment Charter member: Commitment to secure, flexible work and fairness; annual pay review, three trade unions recognised, and best possible health and well‑being support.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave: Give back to the community with three days pro‑rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.
Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council
We’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.
Support During the Process
- Interview Adjustments – let us know if you need adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
- Accessible Formats – our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the “Accessibility tools” button at the top of the careers page. It offers text‑to‑speech, translation into multiple languages, adjustable text size and colour, and more.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirement for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:
- Members of the Armed Forces / veterans
- Current or former care leavers
- Have a disability or long‑term condition
When You Join Us
We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering a workplace adjustment hub with specialist support, advice and guidance. Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network provide a safe inclusive space to share experiences and influence council practice. Commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that workplaces are accessible and disability‑friendly.
Contact and Further Information
For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk. We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best.
Pre-Employment Checks
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Pre‑employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.
Lawyer (Children & Families Legal Service) employer: Old Moat
Contact Detail:
Old Moat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer (Children & Families Legal Service)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the culture at Manchester City Council. Research their values and behaviours, and think about how you can demonstrate that you align with them during your interview. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your advocacy skills! Since this role involves representing the local authority in court, it’s crucial to be confident in your speaking abilities. Consider mock interviews or role-playing scenarios with friends to sharpen your skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to manage a caseload and work independently. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your skills and experience in a detailed Expression of Interest, which can really set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer (Children & Families Legal Service)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Expression of Interest: This is your chance to shine! Make sure your Expression of Interest clearly outlines how your skills and experience align with the role. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise in children and families law.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight relevant experience and qualifications that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team, so make it personal and relevant.
Be Honest and Authentic: While AI tools can help, remember to keep it real. All statements in your application should be truthful and reflect your own experiences. Plagiarism isn’t cool, and we want to hear your unique voice!
Apply Online with Confidence: Ready to take the plunge? Apply through our website and upload your anonymised CV along with your Expression of Interest. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table, so don’t hold back!
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Moat
✨Know Your Law
Make sure you brush up on the law relating to children and families. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that could come up during your interview. This will show your commitment to the role and your understanding of the legal landscape.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to discuss your advocacy experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've represented clients effectively, especially in complex situations. Practising your responses can help you articulate your skills confidently during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Independence
Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team as well as independently. Highlight instances where you've managed your own caseload and time effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals. Consider asking about opportunities for continuous self-development and service improvement.