Lawyer – Children's (Interim)
Hours: 37 Hours Per Week, Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00
Contract: Temporary (13 July 2026 – 15 September 2026)
Location: Fountain Court Legal Welfare, TS1 9FT
Pay Rate: £39.19 per hour
We're recruiting a Lawyer (Children's – Interim) to support Middlesbrough Borough Council's Welfare Legal Team. This is a key professional role, ideal for someone experienced in welfare law, confident in advocacy, and able to provide high-quality legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
About the Role
As a Lawyer, you'll provide essential legal support to ensure the Council achieves its strategic objectives in relation to the welfare of children and/or adults. You will work under the direction of the Senior Lawyer, modelling the Council's values and driving service improvements.
What you'll be doing:
- Undertaking legal work commensurate with the nature of the post
- Advising on all aspects of welfare law relating to children and/or adults with minimum supervision
- Conducting advocacy on behalf of the Council at all permitted levels
- Advising on, and responding to, welfare-related Judicial Reviews
- Drafting legal documentation appropriate to the role
- Representing Legal Services in meetings, courts, inquiries, and appeals
- Providing cover and support for Solicitors, Barristers, and Legal Executives
- Undertaking legal research as required
- Building strong relationships across service areas to support partnership working
- Supporting training and development of staff where required
- Carrying out electoral duties and personal training as necessary
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone professional, proactive, and capable of managing complex welfare matters.
You'll ideally have:
- Qualified status as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive
- Post-qualification experience (up to 5 years for Grade L, over 5 years for Grade N)
- Substantial experience in welfare law
- Strong advocacy skills
- Ability to work independently and manage your own workload
- Proficiency in drafting, administrative tasks, and IT (Microsoft Office)
- Commitment to continuous professional development
- Experience of developing junior staff and using case management systems (desirable)
- Experience of working in local government (desirable)
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to make a real impact in safeguarding and welfare law
- Professional development in a supportive team environment
- Varied and challenging legal duties
- Temporary contract with competitive hourly pay
Reference: Order 5300431
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 3 months
Pay: £39.19 per hour
Experience:
- Welfare law: 5 years (required)
- Lawyer: 5 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
