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.
- 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.
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate (or equivalent professional qualification).
- Significant experience managing childcare law cases within a local authority or similar legal environment.
- Strong knowledge of childcare legislation, family law, court procedures, and relevant case law.
- Experience preparing legal documentation and representing clients in court proceedings.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision.
- Excellent advocacy, negotiation, and legal drafting skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior colleagues is desirable.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure while managing competing priorities.
- Location: London Borough Of Lambeth
- Hours per Week: 35 hours
- Pay: Bi-weekly payments
