Childcare Lawyer

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 Childrens 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