Surrey County Council
Child Protection Lawyer
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Salary Range
The salary range for this role is £38,958.40 to £48,718.40 per annum (pro-rata £48,698 to £60,898 FTE), based on working 28.8 hours per week. This is depending on experience (with a Lawyers Career Scheme providing the opportunity for permanent staff to progress to £60,898).
About The Opportunity
Are you looking for a new opportunity to develop your career in Childcare Law? We are seeking a Child Protection Lawyer to join our fantastic legal team, based at Victoria Gate in Woking.
The Council adopts a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements which includes coming together in person for 2 days per week on average (40% of the working week). The team are very approachable (even when working remotely!) so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (prorated for part time staff)
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
About The Role
As a Child Protection Lawyer at Surrey, you will join a supportive, successful and Lexcel accredited in-house legal team that delivers effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council. Our team culture is one which is supportive and engaged. We have regular team away days where we connect and collaborate with one another, leaving us feeling motivated and energised about our roles.
You will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities, which will 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 in respect of its duties and responsibilities in respect of children and young people, including those in respect of adoption
You will be supported through training, regular supervision and development plans to continue learning and developing your expertise and to achieve successful progression through the career scheme. If joining us on a permanent basis, you will have the opportunity to join our Lawyers Career Scheme which will allow for accelerated career and salary progression based on performance.
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Working together with frontline Children’s Services to safeguard children, we play a pivotal role in the Council’s drive to ensure no one is left behind. We were previously nominated for a STARS in Surrey award for teamwork and get consistently excellent client feedback. If you are interested in developing and enhancing your existing skills whilst undertaking quality and varied work in the area of child protection, we’d love to hear from you!
A Current Lawyer in the Team Says...
"As a team lawyer at Surrey County Council, my daily work involves working collaboratively with social workers and other professionals, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each case and fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving. This enables us to develop tailored legal strategies that address the specific needs of the children and families involved in cases spanning a broad-spectrum including PLO proceedings, care proceedings, deprivation of liberty applications, among others. In this role, I have the responsibility of representing and advising clients in diverse childcare cases ranging from initial proceedings to complex matters like adoption and special guardianship. The flexibility provided by agile working enhances my work-life balance, allowing me to adapt my working hours and locations to accommodate personal commitments while fulfilling my professional responsibilities."
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- You are Solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEX (with family ligation and advocacy practice rights) who is eligible to practise in England and Wales and has (or be in a position to apply for) a current practicing certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority.
- You are able to manage a full and varied caseload and deliver innovative solutions with appropriate supervision.
- You have excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners and professionals.
- You have experience of or an aptitude for advocacy.
- You have an understanding of and are able to uphold the values of Surrey County Council.
- You ideally have experience in Family Law in either the private or public sector.
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We recognise transferable skills and have a track record of supporting Lawyers to further develop their skills in this rewarding area. You will be trained and supported to undertake advocacy commensurate with your experience and alongside this will hold a quality caseload of child protection cases.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
Please contact Margaret McDermott, Principal Solicitor via email at margaret.mcdermott@surreycc.gov.uk.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 16th August 2026 with interviews to follow in the week commencing 24th August 2026.
This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Should you wish to join a large, friendly, dedicated and experienced team of lawyers please click the apply button below to submit your application!
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
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