At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex childcare cases and provide expert legal advice to support children and families.
- Company: Join West Northants Council's growing Legal Services team, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape a modern legal service while impacting the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with childcare law experience.
The predicted salary is between 55041 - 55041 £ per year.
At West Northants Council, it’s about our people and the difference they make. This is an exciting time to join our growing Legal Services team as a Senior Lawyer (Child Care), supporting the delivery of high‑quality legal services to Northamptonshire Children’s Trust and helping to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families.
As part of our dedicated in‑house legal team, you’ll work closely with Children’s Services, providing expert legal advice on matters that have a direct impact on the lives of children and young people. You’ll be joining one of England’s newest and largest unitary authorities, and the fourth biggest unitary council in the country, with the opportunity to help shape and develop a modern, ambitious and forward‑thinking legal service. This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced child‑care lawyer looking to further develop their career in a supportive environment. Whether you are already working in local government, looking to move from private practice, or returning to the profession after a career break, we would love to hear from you.
What will you be doing? You’ll manage a varied and complex caseload, advising on and conducting proceedings relating to the care and protection of children and young people. You will work closely with client departments, senior officers and external partners to provide clear, practical legal advice and representation that supports effective decision‑making and delivers positive outcomes. Alongside your casework, you’ll play a key role in supporting the wider team, sharing knowledge, providing guidance to colleagues and contributing to the ongoing development of a high‑performing, customer‑focused legal service. You’ll support service improvements, ensuring advice remains current and responsive to legislative and policy changes.
About You: You’re a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with experience in childcare law and a passion for delivering excellent legal services. You’re confident managing complex matters, providing clear advice and building effective working relationships with colleagues, clients and partners. Local government experience is welcome but not essential; we are also interested in candidates with relevant experience from other sectors. Commitment to high standards, ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and a desire to help shape and deliver an exceptional legal service.
Benefits: You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site.
Job Details: Salary £55,041 inclusive of MFS, Working hours 37 per week, Contract type: Full time, Job reference: Ref/162341/8853, Closing date: 2 August 2026, Location: Northampton, United Kingdom.
Equal Opportunity: West Northants Council is a disability confident employer and a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and a Care Leaver Covenant partner. We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer (Child Care) in Northampton
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer (Child Care) in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at The Guildhall Northampton, 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 The Guildhall Northampton and the specific role of Senior Lawyer (Child Care). 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 The Guildhall Northampton’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Guildhall Northampton
✨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.
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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 The Guildhall Northampton.
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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 The Guildhall Northampton.
