Lawyer

Suffolk County Council is a modern, flexible and effective organisation, driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. When you join us as a Lawyer, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

Your role and responsibilities:

As a Safeguarding Lawyer, you'll be at the forefront of diverse legal matters, representing the council in all matters relating to children's law. Your keen research abilities and exceptional drafting skills will be essential as you become the crucial bridge between professionals and stakeholders. You will transform complex legal concepts into clear guidance, whether in writing or in person. You will thrive in an environment where multiple cases demand your attention and precise prioritisation skills. Your expertise will extend to vital safeguarding matters, guiding the council through complex issues. You will represent the council in proceedings while ensuring our policies remain legally sound and up to date.

Key responsibilities 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 regarding its duties and responsibilities in respect of children and young people, including those in respect of adoption.

By joining our team, you will deliver high-quality legal services while continuously developing your expertise in a supportive professional environment that values growth and excellence.

For the Grade 6 role, you will need:

• To be a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive.
• Honours degree (preferably in law), or significant experience as a Lawyer.
• Post-graduate level qualification in law or equivalent experience (Desirable).

For the Grade 7 role, you will need:

• To be a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive.
• 3+ years of legal experience since qualification, and/or the ability to demonstrate relevant legal skills, ability and 3 years+ experience as a solicitor, barrister or legal executive, in the designated legal discipline(s).
• Honours degree (preferably in law), or 3+ years' experience as a Lawyer.
• Post-graduate level qualification in law or equivalent experience (Desirable).

For both roles you will need:

• The motivation to solve legal problems, and a practical, strategic approach to advice.
• Research, analysis and communication skills.
• The ability to manage and process high volumes of documentation and information, to drive clear advice and effective case management.
• Awareness of the political, reputational and financial factors bearing on the council’s decision-making.
• To bring your own values, experience and insights to enhance the team and help develop the department as a whole.

The team is an exciting and innovative legal team whose vision is always to provide high-quality legal services to the council and beyond. We provide a flexible and dynamic service, capable of responding quickly to new initiatives and changing priorities. We regularly discuss our cases and legal developments, and build in time for supporting and developing each other, sharing knowledge and ideas, and celebrating successes.

The Safeguarding team advises and represents children’s services, providing legal advice to social workers and other professionals within the council. The team manages a varied and interesting childcare caseload consisting of both pre-proceedings and applications before the court, as well as undertaking advocacy at court on a range of child protection matters. We advise on the council’s policies and procedures, ensuring that the legal framework and statutory obligations are followed, as well as keeping officers up to date on key developments.

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

For more information, please contact Emily Dundon for a casual conversation by calling 01473 264198 or emailing emily.dundon@suffolk.gov.uk.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply, you can request reasonable adjustments by contacting our Recruitment Team by either emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 10 September 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.