At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of lawyers in Children's Social Care, managing cases and supporting colleagues.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking legal service dedicated to public service and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Permanent role with opportunities for professional development and relocation support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in Children's Social Care law.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 58000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive, forward‑thinking legal service where collaboration, professionalism and high‑quality public service sit at the heart of everything we do. You’ll work alongside skilled and passionate lawyers on complex, high‑impact work that supports decisions affecting children, young people, and families across our communities. We value trust, innovation and continuous improvement, giving you the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while remaining closely involved in meaningful legal work. If you’re looking for a role that balances leadership, autonomy and public service, we’d love to hear from you.
Role Summary
As our Team Leader (Lawyer) – Children’s Social Care, you’ll provide legal leadership across Children’s Social Care and Education, combining hands‑on legal practice, including advocacy, with responsibility for supporting colleagues and working closely with senior legal staff and Council services, to ensure well‑informed, lawful decision‑making in complex and sensitive areas.
What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities
- Act as deputy for the Principal Lawyer – Social Care, leading and managing a team of Children’s Social Care lawyers on all aspects of Children’s Social Care and Education legal work, including undertaking their own cases and advocacy, ensuring through appropriate delegation and supervision that all work is of the correct quality and performed in a timely manner.
- Line‑manage the legal officers within the Children’s Social Care legal team that are responsible for a mixed caseload of matters regarding Children’s Social Care and Education.
- Ensure, through robust performance management, the delivery of value‑for‑money services to high practice standards within a culture of continuous improvement, including clear succession planning to support staff development, progression and effective service continuity.
- Timely and effective liaison with support staff, building and maintaining synergy working.
- Responsible for their own case load of matters regarding Children’s Social Care and Education and as determined by the Principal Lawyer – Social Care.
- Develop and foster effective working relationships with the Principal Lawyer, other lawyers within the Social Care legal team, key stakeholders and client departments, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the client’s business needs and objectives, and ensuring these are effectively communicated within the team.
What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience, & Skills
- In‑depth knowledge of law and practice relating to Children’s Social Care and Education.
- Understanding of the political and organisational context of local authorities.
- Substantial post‑qualification experience as a solicitor, barrister or legal executive.
- Experience of handling complex and sensitive legal matters and providing advice at a senior level in Children’s Social Care and Education.
- Experience of supervising, mentoring or supporting the development of legal staff.
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and apply complex legal information.
- Strong drafting and advocacy skills, including representation in proceedings where appropriate.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Eligibility to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent) with relevant experience.
- Knowledge of a specialist area of law relevant to local authority functions.
- Experience of working within local government or the wider public sector.
- Experience of managing change, service improvement or transformation initiatives.
- Management or leadership qualification, or evidence of continuing professional development in leadership.
Additional Information
- Permanent, Full‑time role (37 hours per week)
- 33 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays)
- Flexible and Hybrid working opportunities.
- Relocation package up to £8,000 for those moving to Somerset.
- Grade 8 salary of £49,282, plus a time limited recruitment allowance of £8,718 per annum until 28/02/2029.
- Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
Team Leader (Lawyer) - Children's Social Care in Taunton employer: Somerset-Council-1
Join a dynamic and supportive legal service dedicated to making a positive impact on children's lives in Somerset. As a Team Leader (Lawyer) in Children's Social Care, you'll benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development, offering 33 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a generous relocation package. This role not only allows you to lead a passionate team but also provides the opportunity to engage in meaningful legal work that truly matters to our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader (Lawyer) - Children's Social Care in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in children's social care. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and legal challenges in children's social care. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for public service during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in complex legal matters involving children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader (Lawyer) - Children's Social Care in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in Children’s Social Care and Education law. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a Team Leader, your ability to manage and mentor others is key. We’d love to hear about your past experiences in leading teams or projects, so be sure to include examples that demonstrate your leadership style and effectiveness.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is crucial. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and allows us to keep track of all submissions efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Children’s Social Care and Education law. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the role. This shows you’re not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage and mentor others. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or supported colleagues in their development. Highlighting these experiences will show you’re ready for the responsibility.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interpersonal skills but also your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making abilities in complex situations. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as this will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to handle sensitive legal matters effectively.
