Child Protection Lawyer

Job Description

Child Protection Lawyer - 3 Month Contract

Local Authority | 3 Month Contract

Location: Surrey

Rate: £50.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Flexible / Remote Working Available

Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

We are seeking a skilled Child Protection Lawyer to join a Local Authority Legal Services team on a temporary basis. This role is ideal for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with expertise in childcare and public law proceedings. You will be responsible for managing a diverse and complex caseload, offering expert legal counsel and representation to Children's Services, senior officials, elected members, and partner organizations. As part of a Lexcel-accredited legal team, you will address intricate child protection issues, perform advocacy when necessary, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality legal services that protect children and foster positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a complex caseload of child protection and public law matters with minimal oversight.
  
• Deliver specialized legal advice to Children's Services, officers, members, and partner organizations.
  
• Handle care proceedings and related public law childcare matters.
  
• Provide guidance on safeguarding, child protection, and statutory duties.
  
• Draft legal documents such as court applications, statements, pleadings, and orders.
  
• Represent the Local Authority in court proceedings and perform advocacy as needed.
  
• Instruct and manage Counsel when appropriate.
  
• Offer legal advice at meetings, panels, and multi-agency forums.
  
• Assist the Monitoring Officer with governance and legal compliance issues.
  
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training for officers and stakeholders.
  
• Maintain accurate records using electronic case management systems.
  
• Mentor and support junior team members as needed.
  
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver an efficient and effective legal service.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practice in England and Wales.
  
• Current practicing certificate.
  
• Extensive experience in Child Protection and Public Law proceedings.
  
• Strong understanding of Children Act legislation and related childcare law.
  
• Proven ability to manage complex legal cases independently.
  
• Advocacy experience or a strong aptitude for advocacy.
  
• Proficient in drafting, negotiation, and legal research.
  
• Experience advising senior officers and key stakeholders.
  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
  
• Ability to work flexibly and meet court and statutory deadlines.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  

Desirable

• Previous experience in a Local Authority legal setting.
  
• Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited environment.
  
• Supervisory or mentoring experience.
  
• Experience advising committees, members, or senior leadership teams.
  

Additional

• Flexible and remote working options available.
  
• Attendance at court hearings and meetings required as necessary.
  
• Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile childcare cases.
  
• Lexcel-accredited legal service.
  

What's on Offer?

• £50.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3 Month Contract
  
• Full-Time Hours
  
• Flexible Working Arrangements
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Diverse and complex child protection caseload.
  
• Supportive Local Authority legal team.
  
• Opportunity to engage in advocacy and develop specialized expertise.
  
• Potential for contract extension.
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Child Protection Lawyer, Childcare Lawyer, Care Proceedings Lawyer, Children's Solicitor, Public Law Solicitor, Family Solicitor, Local Government Lawyer, Senior Childcare Lawyer, or Children's Services Legal Advisor.

Requirements
Essential Requirements Requirements: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales. Current practising certificate. Significant experience handling Child Protection and Public Law proceedings. Strong knowledge of Children Act legislation and associated childcare law. Experience managing complex legal cases independently. Advocacy experience or a strong aptitude for advocacy. Excellent drafting, negotiation, and legal research skills. Experience advising senior officers and key stakeholders. Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities. Ability to work flexibly and meet court and statutory deadlines. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Desirable Previous Local Authority legal experience. Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited environment. Supervisory or mentoring experience. Experience advising committees, members, or senior leadership teams. Additional Flexible and remote working opportunities available. Attendance at court hearings and meetings required when necessary. Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile childcare matters. Lexcel-accredited legal service. What's on Offer? £50.00 per hour (Umbrella) 3 Month Contract Full-Time Hours Flexible Working Arrangements Bi-Weekly Pay Varied and complex child protection caseload. Supportive Local Authority legal team. Opportunity to undertake advocacy and develop specialist expertise. Potential contract extension. Ideal for candidates with experience as a Child Protection Lawyer, Childcare Lawyer, Care Proceedings Lawyer, Children's Solicitor, Public Law Solicitor, Family Solicitor, Local Government Lawyer, Senior Childcare Lawyer, or Children's Services Legal Advisor.