3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality, solutions-focused legal advice and representation on childcare law matters, supporting the Council and its partners in delivering effective legal services. The role is responsible for managing a varied childcare caseload, representing the Council in legal proceedings, and ensuring services are delivered in accordance with professional standards, legislation, and Council policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and manage a varied caseload of childcare law matters.
• Prepare and progress court applications, including drafting legal documents, case summaries, threshold documents, and court orders.
• Represent the Council in courts, tribunals, inquiries, committees, and other legal proceedings as required.
• Advise Children's Services on case progress, ensuring statutory deadlines and agreed timescales are met.
• Monitor developments in legislation, case law, and regulatory requirements, providing advice on their impact.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with client departments, Counsel, external agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare reports and provide legal advice to committees, sub-committees, and working groups.
• Support service improvement initiatives, projects, and corporate programmes as directed.
• Use the case management system and departmental procedures to ensure efficient and consistent service delivery.
• Provide professional support, guidance, and supervision to trainees, junior lawyers, and other team members where required.
• Contribute to staff recruitment, team development, and the achievement of service performance targets.
• Ensure compliance with Council policies, financial regulations, equal opportunities, and professional standards.