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- Tasks: Lead a new in-house legal team and manage child protection cases.
- Company: Join West Northants Council, a dynamic and growing Unitary Council.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in child care law while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Experience in Child Care Law and a passion for excellent legal service.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Child Care Lawyer looking to expand your skills, progress your career and step into a leadership role? We are creating 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.
What will you be doing? As Principal Child Care Lawyer you will sit within our People legal team, supporting the Head of Legal (People) in the management of the team and working collaboratively with our Officers and elected Members in the work they undertake. You will be our technical specialist with duties including:
- Managing a caseload of child protection cases.
- Advising clients, including elected members and senior officers.
- Advising on policy, strategy and procedure relating to Child Care issues.
- Building highly effective working relationships with clients.
- Supervising and delivering training to a dedicated legal team.
- Providing training to clients where required.
Whilst experience of advising on Child Care Law is essential, local government experience is not. What’s more important is a passion for delivering an excellent legal service, a desire to help shape and deliver an exemplar local authority legal service and a drive to progress and achieve your own ambition.
About you: We will consider any version of flexible working you can come up with and encourage those looking to change sector or return to work after a career break to apply. If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support. We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner.
Principal Lawyer (Child Care) employer: West Northants Council
Contact Detail:
West Northants Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer (Child Care)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those involved with child care law. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past cases and successes in child care law. This will not only highlight your skills but also demonstrate your passion for delivering excellent legal services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on how you can contribute to the new in-house Legal Team and your vision for shaping their legal service.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the Northamptonshire Children’s Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer (Child Care)
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 role of Principal Lawyer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion: We’re looking for someone who’s not just experienced but also passionate about delivering excellent legal services. Use your application to express why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to shaping our new in-house Legal Team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northants Council
✨Know Your Child Care Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in Child Care Law. Be prepared to discuss specific cases and how they relate to your potential role. This will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Principal Lawyer position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, think about examples from your past where you've led or mentored others. Be ready to share how you can support and develop your future colleagues, as well as how you can contribute to building a strong legal team.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on establishing a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the team's dynamics. This will not only help you gauge if the role is right for you but also demonstrate your ability to build effective working relationships.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Given the emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the job description, be prepared to discuss how you have promoted these values in your previous roles. Share any initiatives you've been part of that align with the council's commitment to creating an inclusive environment.