Child Protection Lawyer

Overview

Remote working role (Flexible / Remote Working).

This position is a Child Protection Lawyer role offered on a 3 Month Contract with full-time hours. The rate is £55.00 per hour (Umbrella) with bi-weekly pay.

The role involves joining a Legal Services team to manage a complex childcare caseload and provide legal guidance, advocacy, and representation to Children’s Services, senior officials, members, and committees, within a Lexcel-accredited legal practice.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a comprehensive and complex caseload of child protection and childcare issues.
• Provide prompt, precise, and legally sound advice to Children’s Services and senior stakeholders.
• Undertake advocacy as needed in Family Courts and related proceedings.
• Provide counsel on:
  • Care Proceedings
  • Public Law Outline (PLO)
  • Child Protection
  • Adoption Matters
  • Placement Orders
  • Special Guardianship Orders
  • Emergency Applications
  • Pre-Proceedings
• Draft pleadings, court applications, witness statements, legal agreements, and related documents.
• Support lawful decision-making by officers, members, and committees.
• Participate in hearings, meetings, and proceedings as necessary.
• Maintain accurate records using electronic case management systems.
• Adhere to Lexcel Practice Management Standards.
• Assist in training and developing officers and colleagues.
• Support senior lawyers and contribute to service development initiatives.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practice in England and Wales.
• Current practicing certificate from the relevant professional body.
• Extensive experience in Child Protection and Childcare Law matters.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Children Act 1989
  • Adoption and Children Act 2002
  • Family Procedure Rules
  • Public Law Childcare Proceedings
• Experience in advocacy or a strong willingness to undertake advocacy.
• Proven ability to manage a demanding and complex legal caseload.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and legal research skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience providing legal advice to Children’s Services teams.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in Local Authority legal work.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior legal staff.
• Experience supporting management responsibilities within a legal team.
• Knowledge of Adult Social Care or Education Law.
• Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited practice.
• Proficiency in using electronic legal case management systems.

Compensation & Benefits

• £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)
• 3 Month Contract
• Full-Time Hours
• Flexible Remote Working
• Bi-Weekly Pay
• Opportunity to join a Lexcel-accredited Legal Services team

Location

Flexible / Remote Working