Location: County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Rate: £69.58 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 3 to 6 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid Working – Monday at County Hall, Northallerton, with 4 Days Remote Work
Pay: Bi-weekly
North Yorkshire Council is in search of a seasoned Childcare Lawyer (Solicitor) to temporarily join its Legal Services team. This role is ideal for a qualified Solicitor with extensive expertise in Children's Law, Care Proceedings, and Family Law Matters. The position involves providing top-tier legal advice, representation, and support to the Children and Young People Services Directorate. The successful candidate will handle a diverse childcare caseload, ensuring the Council fulfills its legal responsibilities while striving for positive outcomes for children and families. A current practising certificate is mandatory for consideration.
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Deliver expert legal counsel on childcare and family law issues.
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Oversee and manage care proceedings for the Council.
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Represent the Council in court and other legal settings.
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Offer guidance on complex legal matters to Children's Services teams.
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Address legal inquiries from the Children and Young People Services Directorate.
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Draft legal documents, applications, statements, and court bundles.
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Conduct legal research and provide insights on complex and emerging topics.
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Facilitate decision-making in Children's Services with clear legal guidance.
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Collaborate with social workers, managers, counsel, and external partners.
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Ensure adherence to relevant legislation, Law Society Professional Standards, and Lexcel Accreditation
Requirements:.
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Contribute to the efficient functioning of the Legal Services team.
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Qualified Solicitor with a current Practising Certificate.
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Extensive experience in Children's Law.
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Proficiency in handling and managing Care Proceedings, Public Law Children Matters, and Family Law Cases.
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Strong advocacy and case management capabilities.
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Exceptional legal research and analytical skills.
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Ability to offer clear, practical legal advice on complex issues.
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Experience with Children's Services and safeguarding matters.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
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Competence in managing a demanding caseload efficiently.
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Previous experience in Local Authority childcare legal roles.
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Advocacy experience.
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Experience in a Lexcel-accredited legal service.
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Familiarity with local government legal frameworks.
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Experience advising senior managers and elected officials.
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Mandatory attendance at County Hall, Northallerton on Mondays.
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Remaining four days can be worked remotely.
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Preference for candidates residing in North Yorkshire or nearby, as the caseload often involves the Harrogate area.
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Fully remote work may be considered for exceptional candidates.
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£69.58 per hour (Umbrella)
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3 to 6 Month Contract
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Hybrid Working – 1 Day On Site / 4 Days Remote
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Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire
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Bi-weekly Pay
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Opportunity to join a respected Local Authority legal team.
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Engage with a high-profile childcare caseload supporting Children's Services.
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Flexible working arrangements.
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Potential for contract extension.
This role is suitable for individuals with experience as a Childcare Lawyer, Children's Services Solicitor, Family Solicitor, Care Proceedings Solicitor, Local Authority Solicitor, Child Protection Lawyer, or Public Law Children Solicitor.