At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse childcare cases and provide expert legal advice to safeguard children.
- Company: Join a supportive, Lexcel accredited legal team at Surrey County Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-31 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Solicitor or barrister with family law experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The salary range for this role is £38,958.40 to £48,718.40 per annum (pro-rata £48,698 to £60,898 FTE), based on working 28.8 hours per week. This is depending on experience (with a Lawyers Career Scheme providing the opportunity for permanent staff to progress to £60,898).
Are you looking for a new opportunity to develop your career in Childcare Law? We are seeking a Child Protection Lawyer to join our fantastic legal team, based at Victoria Gate in Woking. The Council adopts a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements which includes coming together in person for 2 days per week on average (40% of the working week). The team are very approachable (even when working remotely!) so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters.
Our Offer to You:
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
About the Role:
As a Child Protection Lawyer at Surrey, you will join a supportive, successful and Lexcel accredited in-house legal team that delivers effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council. Our team culture is one which is supportive and engaged. We have regular team away days where we connect and collaborate with one another, leaving us feeling motivated and energised about our roles.
You will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities, which will include:
- Managing a varied and interesting childcare caseload consisting of both pre-proceedings and applications before the Court
- Undertaking advocacy on behalf of the County Council
- Providing expert legal advice to the Council in respect of its duties and responsibilities in respect of children and young people, including those in respect of adoption
You will be supported through training, regular supervision and development plans to continue learning and developing your expertise and to achieve successful progression through the career scheme. If joining us on a permanent basis, you will have the opportunity to join our Lawyers Career Scheme which will allow for accelerated career and salary progression based on performance.
Working together with frontline Children's Services to safeguard children, we play a pivotal role in the Council's drive to ensure no one is left behind. We were previously nominated for a STARS in Surrey award for teamwork and get consistently excellent client feedback.
If you are interested in developing and enhancing your existing skills whilst undertaking quality and varied work in the area of child protection, we'd love to hear from you!
Your Application:
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- You are Solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEX (with family litigation and advocacy practice rights) who is eligible to practise in England and Wales and has (or be in a position to apply for) a current practicing certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority.
- You are able to manage a full and varied caseload and deliver innovative solutions with appropriate supervision.
- You have excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners and professionals.
- You have experience of or an aptitude for advocacy.
- You have an understanding of and are able to uphold the values of Surrey County Council.
- You ideally have experience in Family Law in either the private or public sector.
We recognise transferable skills and have a track record of supporting Lawyers to further develop their skills in this rewarding area. You will be trained and supported to undertake advocacy commensurate with your experience and alongside this will hold a quality caseload of child protection cases.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
Contact Us:
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Margaret McDermott, Principal Solicitor via email.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 16th August 2026 with interviews to follow in the week commencing 24th August 2026.
This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR):
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment:
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Child Protection Lawyer in Woking employer: Radix Solutions
Join Bridgend County Borough Council as an Occupational Therapist and be part of a dedicated team that prioritises the well-being and independence of individuals facing complex challenges. With a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration with various health professionals, ongoing professional development, and a focus on innovative care strategies. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a vibrant community setting, where your contributions directly impact the lives of residents while enjoying a flexible hybrid working policy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Protection Lawyer in Woking
✨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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Child Protection Lawyer in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Radix Solutions, 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 Radix Solutions and the specific role of Child Protection Lawyer. 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 Radix Solutions’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Radix Solutions
✨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 Radix Solutions.
✨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 Radix Solutions.
