At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Children & Young People team, providing legal advice and representation.
- Company: St Helens Council, a supportive public sector employer making a positive community impact.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health support, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and professional growth.
- Why this job: Take your career to the next level while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEx with experience in family law.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
St Helens Council is pleased to invite applications for the post of Senior Solicitor/Lawyer. We are looking for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEx with litigation and advocacy rights to work closely with and assist the Principal Solicitor to lead and manage the Children & Young People team. This is a fantastic opportunity to take the next step in your career and progress into a management role.
You will have the opportunity to make a real contribution to developing the legal team as well as working strategically with client departments. You will be highly motivated, enthusiastic and organised, with excellent communication skills and have extensive experience advising social care clients in children's social care matters. To succeed in this role, you will need experience representing local authority clients in the Family Court and the ability to support the team in developing their advocacy experience.
We are a busy, friendly and well supported legal team situated in the Merseyside area with good transport links to surrounding areas. We have embraced new ways of working and the role will feature some hybrid working, offering a high level of flexibility, allowing staff to take more control of their work/life balance. We offer a generous benefits package with career average local government pension, at least 27 days holiday increasing to 31 after 5 years continuous service, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days, Health and Well-being Employee Assistance programme, and a Car Lease Scheme.
Whatever stage of your career, working in the public sector puts you at the heart of communities. Our workforce provides services to our residents day in and day out, making a positive impact on people’s lives. There are so many reasons to choose to work at St Helens Council including the fantastic range of employee benefits and rewards on offer. As a St Helens Council employee, you’ll be enrolled in the Merseyside Pension Fund Pension Scheme.
St Helens Council is officially recognised as one of the region’s leading fair employers, achieving accredited status under the Liverpool City Combined Authority Fair Employment Charter. The Charter recognises the ongoing commitment to fair pay, secure work, training & progression & staff well-being whilst celebrating employers who go above and beyond for their workforce providing an inclusive and supportive environment.
We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection. All Council employees are required to abide by the ethical standards embodied by the 7 Nolan Principles.
Senior Solicitor/Lawyer employer: St Helens Borough Council
St Helens Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With a focus on community impact, employees in the Lead Consumer Protection & Regulatory Compliance role will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while benefiting from continuous training and growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Solicitor/Lawyer
✨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.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
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 St Helens Borough 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 Solicitor/Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at St Helens Borough 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 St Helens Borough Council and the specific role of Senior Solicitor/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 St Helens Borough Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens Borough 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 St Helens Borough 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 St Helens Borough Council.
