Children’s Services Lawyer – AR

Children’s Services Lawyer

Job Title: Children’s Services Lawyer
Team: Family and Public Law
Reports to: Principal Lawyer

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Children’s Services Lawyer to join a local authority’s Family and Public Law Team. The successful candidate will provide specialist legal advice and support on matters relating to children’s services, childcare law and child protection.

You will manage complex legal cases, undertake advocacy and represent the council in court proceedings, tribunals and other formal hearings. You will work closely with social workers, service managers and other professionals to ensure the council meets its statutory obligations and delivers effective services to children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice on all aspects of Children’s Services law, including childcare and child protection.
• Manage complex casework and undertake advocacy or arrange legal representation in court proceedings, tribunals and inquiries.
• Advise council departments, social workers and senior managers on legal requirements and relevant legislation.
• Attend and provide legal advice to committees and panels, including fostering, adoption and safeguarding panels.
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation and case law, ensuring relevant teams understand their legal responsibilities.
• Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and good practice relating to Children’s Services law.
• Prepare legal reports, correspondence and other documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Support the training and development of legal assistants and trainee solicitors where appropriate.
• Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and partner organisations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, quality standards and equality of opportunity across the service.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Relevant legal qualifications and professional accreditation, as required for the position.
• Experience in Children’s Services law, childcare law or public family law.
• Experience handling complex legal cases involving children and families.
• Knowledge of child protection legislation, care proceedings and relevant statutory requirements.
• Experience preparing legal documentation and providing clear, accurate legal advice.
• Strong communication, analytical and case management skills.
• Ability to prioritise workloads, manage competing deadlines and work effectively with a range of professionals.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and delivering high-quality legal services.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a local authority legal department.
• Experience representing local authorities in family court proceedings.
• Knowledge of fostering, adoption and permanency matters.
• Experience advising social care professionals and providing legal training.

Reporting Structure

The successful candidate will report to the Principal Lawyer within the Family and Public Law Team and contribute to the effective delivery of legal services across Children’s Services.