Social Care & Education Childcare Lawyer

Grade: 12 - 16 (Career Progression)
Salary: £50,085 - £62,766 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Croydon (Hybrid working available)

Introduction

We are looking for experienced childcare lawyers (solicitors, legal executives, barristers) to join our fast-paced in-house childcare legal team. We are interested in those who wish to secure positive outcomes for children and young people, using their exceptional legal skills to provide expert legal advice to the Council.

Job Overview

You will contribute to the delivery of a comprehensive legal service to Children’s Services, advising on child protection, safeguarding and related education matters. The role focuses primarily on the preparation and conduct of care proceedings and the provision of high-quality legal advice to support the Council in meeting its statutory responsibilities.

You will work closely with social workers, managers and partner agencies, providing timely, practical and solution-focused legal support within a busy and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

Provide clear, accurate and timely legal advice on child protection, safeguarding and childcare law
Prepare and manage complex casework relating to care proceedings and associated children’s social care matters
Attend and advise at legal planning meetings, strategy meetings, child protection conferences and reviews
Support client officers with expert legal guidance throughout proceedings
Instruct and brief counsel where required, including attending conferences
Deliver legal training and briefings to officers, Members and partner organisations
Maintain high professional standards and compliance with court directions and legal best practice
Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a responsive, high-quality legal service

About You

You will bring:

Qualification as a Solicitor, Legal Executive or Barrister with a current practising certificate in England and Wales
Substantial experience in childcare and child protection law within a local authority or similar setting
Strong working knowledge of care proceedings, safeguarding legislation and local authority duties
Excellent legal research, drafting and advisory skills
Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure
Strong communication skills and confidence working with social work professionals and senior officers
Commitment to equality, diversity and professional integrity

Why Join Croydon Council?

Opportunity to work at a senior professional level on high-impact child protection cases
Supportive and experienced in-house legal service
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
Competitive local government benefits package
A role that makes a genuine difference to the lives of children and families

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