Childcare Solicitor

Childcare Lawyer

West Yorkshire

2 days per month in the office

Are you an experienced childcare lawyer looking for your next opportunity within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority legal team?

We are seeking an experienced Senior Solicitor (minimum 5 years' PQE) or Qualified Legal Executive with a strong background in public children law proceedings to join the Children and Adults Safeguarding Team at a local authority in West Yorkshire.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding vulnerable children, supporting positive outcomes for families and working alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to protecting those who need it most.

You will undertake a varied and challenging caseload of public children law matters, providing high-quality legal advice and representation to the local authority.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing your own caseload of public law childcare proceedings.
• Advising social care teams on complex legal issues relating to children and families.
• Conducting care proceedings, including applications for care and supervision orders, emergency protection orders and other relevant proceedings.
• Preparing and reviewing court documents, statements, threshold documents and care plans.
• Representing the local authority in court and at advocates' meetings, hearings and other legal forums.
• Working collaboratively with social workers, managers, counsel and other professionals.
• Providing clear, practical and commercially aware legal advice to support effective decision-making.
• Contributing to the continued development and delivery of a high-quality safeguarding legal service.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified Solicitor with at least 5 years' PQE or a Qualified Legal Executive.
• Has substantial and demonstrable experience in public children law proceedings.
• Has experience managing complex care cases and representing clients in family court proceedings.
• Has excellent advocacy, drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
• Can manage a busy caseload independently and work effectively to competing deadlines.
• Is confident advising social care professionals and building strong working relationships with stakeholders.
• Is proactive, pragmatic and committed to achieving the best outcomes for vulnerable children.

What's on Offer?

• Salary up to £58,358 per annum.
• An additional annual bonus of £3,000.
• Full-time, permanent employment.
• Exceptional flexibility, with office attendance required just twice per month.
• The opportunity to work within an established Children and Adults Safeguarding Team.
• A varied and rewarding caseload where your work makes a genuine difference.
• The opportunity to develop your expertise within a supportive local authority environment.