At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle childcare casework and represent clients in court with support.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a progressive authority focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for applicants meeting minimum criteria; inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified legal professional with childcare law knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a qualified legal professional looking for an opportunity to undertake meaningful, varied work that makes a real difference to communities?
Staffordshire County Council is seeking a talented Lawyer to join our highly regarded Staffordshire Legal Services team. Whether your experience comes from private practice, public sector, or a mixed legal background, this is an opportunity to develop your career within a collaborative and forward-thinking legal environment.
As part of an accredited professional advisory service, you'll provide high-quality legal support to the Council and a range of external clients, helping deliver services that positively impact residents, communities and partner organisations across Staffordshire.
Main Responsibilities
You will be involved in:
- Completing all aspects of straightforward to moderately complex legal casework including drafting and negotiating complex documents and working under limited levels of supervision in order to contribute to the service delivery outcomes.
- Representing the relevant client at all case related meetings and conduct advocacy, including contested hearings at appropriate court hearings.
- Achieving chargeable hour targets and maintain strict adherence to the Lexcel quality standard including time-recording.
- Supervising and managing junior staff as requested.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for you to have the following minimum essential criteria:
- A Solicitor with practising certificate, Fellow of CILEX with litigation/advocacy rights or a Barrister with practising certificate and authorisation to conduct litigation.
- Have proven experience in the relevant legal area and demonstrate an understanding of the law relating to the role.
- Demonstrate experience of completing all aspects of relevant legal casework with limited supervision.
- Show an ability to clearly communicate in all media forms; verbally, digitally and in writing and an ability to draft straightforward to moderately complex legal documents.
- Ability to se their own initiative and will work well under pressure, meeting competing demands, and consistently maintaining a high standard of work.
No previous local government experience is necessary but you will be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the work done by this Council and operate comfortably alongside a professional client.
Interviews will be held on the 26th August 2026 in Stafford.
Our Recruitment Process
We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered.
Please note: The minimum essential criteria in the ideal candidate section detailed above will be used if you are applying under one of our Interview Guarantee Schemes.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are no ordinary county council:
Our Values:
The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.
Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:
We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.
We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.
Our benefits
We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire
Our recruitment process
As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities
Disability Confident employer
As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as yourapplication meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Lawyer - Childcare in Stafford employer: Staffordshire County Council
Staffordshire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and community impact. Employees benefit from flexible working hours, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families. With a focus on teamwork and quality service delivery, this role provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about social work.
Contact Details:
Staffordshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer - Childcare in Stafford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific childcare laws and regulations relevant to Staffordshire. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Staffordshire County Council, especially those in the Legal Services Unit. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions that may arise during the interview. Think about how you would handle complex childcare cases and be ready to discuss your thought process and decision-making skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to manage competing pressures effectively. Be ready to provide examples from your past experiences where you successfully prioritised tasks and met deadlines, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer - Childcare in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Lawyer - Childcare position. Understand the responsibilities and the skills required, such as knowledge of childcare law and effective communication.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and qualifications that align with the role. Emphasise your understanding of childcare law and any previous casework experience, even if it’s not in local government.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for childcare law and your commitment to making a positive difference in the community. Mention specific examples of your work that demonstrate your skills and attention to detail.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Understand Childcare Law
Make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of childcare law, as this is crucial for the role. Brush up on recent cases and legislation to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've communicated complex legal concepts clearly and confidently, especially in high-pressure situations like court hearings.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Highlight your meticulous attention to detail by discussing past experiences where this skill was essential. Be ready to explain how you ensure accuracy in casework and documentation.
✨Discuss Work-Life Balance
Since Staffordshire County Council values work-life balance, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time effectively and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
