Senior Childcare Lawyer

Senior Lawyer (Child Care)
Rate: £450 per day, inside IR35
Hours: 37 hours per week/or 29.6 on a part time basis
Location: East Midlands

Part‑flexible hours available (up to 3 days remote working)

We’re working with a Local Authority based in the East Midlands to appoint an experienced Childcare Lawyer. They champion ambition, innovation, high standards, and a culture where talent can truly thrive. If you are passionate, driven, and committed to making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
 
About the Role
As a Senior Lawyer within the Child Care legal team, you will deliver expert legal support, represent the Council in complex matters, and help ensure our statutory responsibilities are met to the highest standard.

You will:

• Provide legal advice and representation to Members, Officers, and service areas across the Council.
• Conduct and manage a complex caseload, preparing high‑quality legal documents and delivering advice efficiently and effectively.
• Contribute to major Council project work within your legal remit.
• Prepare briefs and instructions for Counsel and external legal advisors.
• Attend Council, Cabinet, Committee, Sub‑committee and working group meetings to provide legal, constitutional and procedural advice.
• Deputise for the Principal Lawyer, including supporting the supervision and management of the team.
• Champion continuous improvement, sharing legislative developments and delivering legal training across departments.
• Promote a positive image of the Council through professional, collaborative engagement.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues, external partners and agencies, supporting excellent partnership working.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and best practice.
• Contribute to a customer‑focused, inclusive legal service in line with our organisational values.

This role requires commitment to equality, safeguarding, and the health, safety and wellbeing of yourself and others.
 
Skills, Knowledge & Experience required
Essential Skills & Abilities

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong legal research skills across a broad range of issues.
• Post‑qualification experience providing complex legal advice and representation.
• Ability to work well under pressure and deliver to agreed targets.
• Experience advising committees, panels, courts or equivalent.
• Competent use of Office 365 (or willingness to undertake training).
• Strong understanding of local authority legislation.
• In‑depth knowledge of legal frameworks relevant to child care law.

Desirable

• Experience delivering major project work.
• Experience supervising or developing staff and resources.

Qualifications
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, or demonstrable equivalent legal expertise.
 
(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation so please do get in contact)

Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant.  Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills.  Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process

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