At a Glance
- Tasks: Represent the Council in court and support child care legal matters.
- Company: Join a dynamic new Legal Team at West Northants Council.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career growth and professional development.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful legal work.
- Qualifications: Experience in Child Care Law and strong advocacy skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career and do you want to be supported in achieving the step after that? We have created a brand new in‑house Legal Team to support the Northamptonshire Children’s Trust. Join the existing Legal Team at West Northants Council, one of the newest and the fourth biggest Unitary Council in England.
Responsibilities
- Representing the Council in all types of proceedings, including complex matters.
- Carrying out advocacy in the Family Court.
- Advising the client department in respect of emergency or urgent applications and providing representation at Court for these cases.
- Advising upon and conducting proceedings relating to the care and protection of children and young people.
- Being a lead within the team and providing guidance and support to other members of the team.
- Preparing and delivering training to the client department.
Qualifications & Experience
We want to hear from those with experience in Child Care Law. If you are an admitted solicitor, advocate or barrister with good working knowledge of key childcare legislation and experience of working in local government or private practice, and have proven advocacy skills, you should consider applying. While local government experience is not essential, a passion for delivering an excellent legal service in a fast‑paced environment and a desire to help shape and deliver an exemplar local authority legal service is desirable.
If this role appeals to you then please contact Julia Rickards, Head of Legal (People), on 07585 405339 for a confidential discussion.
Equal Opportunity
We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner.
Lead Child Care Lawyer — Local Government in Northampton employer: West Northants Council
West Northants Council offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for legal professionals, particularly those passionate about child care law. As part of a newly established in-house Legal Team, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with dedicated colleagues, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in the community. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role not only promises career advancement but also the satisfaction of contributing to an exemplar local authority legal service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Child Care Lawyer — Local Government in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in child care law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your advocacy skills and recent developments in child care legislation. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and scenarios that might come up in a Family Court setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you’re excited about working with the Northamptonshire Children’s Trust and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Child Care Lawyer — Local Government in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Child Care Law. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills:Since advocacy is a key part of this role, be sure to include specific examples of your advocacy work. We love seeing how you’ve represented clients in complex matters, so let us know about your successes!
Highlight Team Leadership Experience:If you've led a team or provided guidance to colleagues, make that clear in your application. We’re looking for someone who can step up as a lead within our team, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your leadership abilities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northants Council
✨Know Your Child Care Law
Make sure you brush up on key childcare legislation before the interview. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in the law will show your passion and expertise in the field, which is crucial for a Lead Child Care Lawyer.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of your advocacy experience, especially in the Family Court. Highlighting your ability to represent clients effectively will demonstrate that you have the skills needed for this role.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Research West Northants Council and their approach to child care law. Understanding their goals and how you can contribute to their legal team will help you align your answers with their expectations during the interview.
✨Be Ready to Lead
As a lead within the team, you'll need to provide guidance and support. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully mentored others in previous roles. This will show that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of this position.
